Influence of financial management on sustainability of community managed water supply projects in Kieni West District, Nyeri County, Kenya

Abstract

Water is the most important natural resource, indispensable for life and at the same time the backbone of growth and prosperity for mankind. In the last decade, the provision of potable water for domestic and rural livelihood needs has moved to centre stage on the international development agenda and in the interventions of many Non Government Organizations (NGO) and National Governments.

The Government of Kenya Vision 2030 acknowledges the fact that Kenya is a water scarce country and underscores the central role water plays in the performance of key sectors of the economy and the livelihoods of Kenyans. Under the economic and social pillars of Vision 2030, improved access to safe water and sanitation in both rural and urban areas, and increasing the area under irrigation have been given prominence with the rehabilitation and expansion of water supply identified as some of the flagship projects.

The purpose of the study was to investigate financial management factors that influence sustainability of community managed water supply projects in Kieni West District. The research adopted a survey research design. The target population for the study was 150 water committee officials and the sample size was 109 respondents who were selected using the stratified sampling method.

Key findings are that adequate understanding, identification and' estimation of the operation and maintenance costs is critical for the sustainable delivery of water supply services; transparency of financial management is a key issue in community management in water projects and that without water levies and fees charged for connection and usage, sustainability of the project will not be possible.