Factors influencing community ownership of water projects in Kenya. A case of Kinna Division Isiolo County

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the factors influencing community ownership of water projects in Kenya with a focus in Kinna division, Isiolo County. The Government of Kenya and Non Governmental Organizations have implemented many projects aimed at addressing the water crisis in Arid and Semi arid areas; however most of these projects have been characterized with low level of Sustainability. In Kenya most water projects have performed dismally and most becoming un-operational and requiring rehabilitation. This is due to low level of community ownership of these water projects. The study was guided by four objectives, namely; to examine the extent to which community participation influences community ownership of water projects, to assess the influence of community training on community ownership of water projects, to determine the influence of technology used in extraction of water on community ownership of water projects and to establish the influence of distance between the user and the water point on community ownership of water projects. The study was guided by community participation theory. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. By employing this study design, quantitative data was collected from 370 respondents who were community members and qualitative data was obtained from members of water management committees and the district water officer who was the Key informant. Simple random sampling technique was used to identify the 370 respondents and through purposive sampling, the study involved 6 members of the water management committee in the 16 water supply projects. Data was collected using well structured questionnaires and through focus group discussion. The data was cleaned, edited and coded. Quantitative analysis was done using statistical packages (SPSS V.21) and qualitative data was analyzed thematically and the findings were then presented. The study found that all the independent variables were significantly influencing community ownership of water projects. Community participation, community training, technology used to extract water and distance between the user and the water point influences community ownership of water projects. From the findings, the study recommends that the Isiolo County Government and stakeholders allocates funding towards the development of water infrastructure especially in construction of new pipeline extensions and constructing of new water points in Kinna division. The use of solar energy as an option to replace the diesel generators or a hybrid system should be explored. The study also recommends that more local technicians are trained on operation and maintenance of generators and hand pumps. The water management committees should be trained on financial management and record keeping by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural resources. When water management committee are being formed and registered, participation and membership of women should be encouraged to avoid gender discrepancy. The researcher recommends further studies on factors influencing community ownership of water projects in other regions so as to allow for generalization of factors influencing community ownership of water projects in Kenya. Further studies should be conducted on the influence of social cultural on long term sustainability of water projects. Especially age, gender and education levels of members of water management committees