An assessment of water resources, and IWRM strategy in Bahari sub basin, Kilifi district

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to identify water sources in Bahari Sub basin, and determine how they were managed so that they benefit the whole community while preserving the environment for the future generation. It also aimed to determine whether integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles offered sustainable development and management of water resources. The study identified the challenges facing the Kenya water sector as:- • Growing population • Water scarcity • Climate variability and water Resources Degradation • Declining flow volumes • Natural phenomena • Catchment Degradation • Invasive Species '. Storage and infrastructure investment • Water Demand • Ground water depletion • Solid waste management To handle these challenges. the study assessed the water resources, their utilization. policies. and institutions in Bahari Sub basin. The study focused on the following areas:- • Indicate the wide range. and ramifications. of water management, and the relationship between the water sector and other parts of the economy. • Identify the principal issues involved in managing water resources, for the guidance of policy-makers. • Preparation of an inventory of existing water resources data. reports and maps covering rainfall. evaporation. groundwater, steam flow, water abstraction permits and water quality. The data collected was evaluated to determine additional data to be collected from the field for an improved assessment of water resources availability in the study area. This was followed by a field inventory of natural and constructed water points on rainwater, surface water and ground water. The stakeholders involved in the water sector were identified and their roles in the water sector determined. Their knowledge of the ongoing sector reforms was also ascertained. Household survey was conducted to provide data on the water and sanitation situation in the study area. the level of knowledge of water regulations by the communities and the conservation methods applied within the households. The survey involved selection of a representative probability sample of 12 households. The contents of the questionnaire included collection of data on population, water, sanitation, management and water conservation. Enumerators who had been trained earlier did the interviewing of the respondents. The results of the study showed that; • The sub basin had water resources that if properly managed, could supply adequate water to the residents. The water sources included wells,springs,and boreholes and tap water • The development of the water resources was not done in an orderly manner and this lend to abandonment of 77%of the boreholes, and 54% of the wens. • Pipelines took water from the main Baricho-Mombasa pipeline which passed through the basin. These pipelines were constructed by the government, NGOs or the local community with technical assistance from the MW&1 staff. • The water resources were polluted by agricultural activities. agro based industries and factories. urbanization, and ocean water intrusion. Based on the results obtained from the research, conclusions were drawn. and recommendations made on the best way of implementing 1WRM strategy in Bahari sub basin.