Factors influencing water service provision in Garissa central division, Kenya

Abstract

The study investigated the factors influencing water service provision in Garissa Central District -Kenya. The purpose of this study was to carefully investigate the underlying factors that influence water service provision in Garissa Central District. The objectives of the study included: to establish whether demand for water influences water service provision in Garissa Central District, to determine how water source influence water service provision in Garissa Central District and lastly to investigate how water infrastructure influences water service provision in Garissa Central District. The research design used was descriptive analysis. There were different sampling techniques used for the study due to the nature of the population studied and they included; cluster, random and purposive sampling. The study targeted all the resident of Garissa Town but four Estates namely Winsor, Iftin, Township and Waberi were chosen by use of cluster sampling technique. Each Estate provided 21 household heads chosen randomly, to respondent to the study. To achieve the objectives, the study used primary data in the form of questionnaires, and secondary data from literatures, articles, books and internet sources. The data was primarily quantitative and therefore descriptive analysis was used. The study found out that water demand exceeded the water which was supplied by the water service provider hence the residents had to look for alternative sources of water especially from boreholes which were managed by private providers. As for the sources the study established that there was enough water from Tana River which if well harnessed could meet the demand of water in the town. The water service providers were found to be doing a good job when it came to supplying water but the infrastructure was found to be wanting. The study recommended the following; that private companies should be encouraged to start providing water in the Garissa Town so that the demands of the resident could be met. The government needs to look into the water infrastructure in the town with an aim of improving it. There is also need for the government through the water service providers to look into ways in which water contamination can be prevented. The household waste as well as industrial ones need to be managed in such a way that it will not drain into Tana River. Where possible, fencing should be done on the banks of the river.