The determinants of non revenue water in water services provision in Kirinyaga county in Kenya: A case of Kirinyaga water and sanitation company

Abstract

Kenya is classified as a water scarce country however it losses a lot of water averaging to 47% out of water produced and treated. If ways can be found to prevent this water loss it would not only provide more water to Kenyans but would considerably reduce costs hence promoting sustainability in provision. This study seeks to establish the determinants of Non Revenue Water (NRW) in water service provision in Kirinyaga Water and Sanitation Company (KIRIWASCO). The study was guided by the following objectives; to establish how water infrastructure determines the Non Revenue Water in water services Provision in KIRIWASCO, to find out how pipe leakages determines the Non Revenue Water in water services provision in KIRIWASCO, to establish ways in which metering determines Non Revenue Water in water services provision in KIRIWASCO and to establish how illegal practices determines the Non Revenue Water in water services provision in KIRIWASCO. The study used a descriptive survey design and the theoretical framework of this study was derived from the human economic theory. The target population of the study was 130 members of staff and a sample of 97 staff was picked. The sample was picked using stratified sampling and proportionate sampling. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Ten (10) officers were used for Pilot testing before the commencement of the study. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Descriptive statistics was computed and data is presented using tables. The findings of the study indicated Water infrastructure, pipe leakages, metering and illegal practices determines the Non Revenue Water in water services provision. Non Revenue Water (NRW) is caused by Aged water systems leading to non detected leakages, pipe bursts, Leakages, illegal connections, faulty meters and meter by passes as shown by 64.2% of respondents. It is important that aged pipes be replaced and leak detectors procured since 51.6% of respondents indicated that relocation and maintenance of road reserve reduce bursts. If adaptation of meter installation policy and aged consumer meters are replaced, water losses (NRW) would be reduced by 61.1% as indicated by 58 respondents. The major cases of illegal practices encountered are meter tampering, illegal connection and vandalism and theft as shown by 76.8% of respondents. The generated information will help government departments and the Ministry of Water to come up with interventions which will reduce water losses. The study will also useful to future scholars as it has added to the existing body of knowledge.