Challenges of commercialization of rural water service Provision in Rabuor sub- location, Kisumu county

ABSTRACT More than 80% of the world's population in rural areas currently has no access to improved safe water supplies. The Kenya Census of 2009, indicates that, more than 35.4% of Kenyan households depend on point sources (springs, wells, boreholes) while around 63.1% of rural population is relying on untreated (unsafe) water. These high figures occur yet water is recognized in the water Act 2002 and the constitution of Kenya 20 I0 as a fundamental human right. In an attempt to provide clean water, the government of Kenya, in the water Act 2002 focuses on commercialization and professionalization of water services to Kenyan population. Although in towns the commercialization of water services has picked up, the same is not true in rural areas. For example, in Rabuor Sub-location, a report indicates that for every three water systems established; only one survives. But it is not known why water systems fail. Therefore this study sought to investigate involvement of community members during establishment of the water projects; examine community willingness to pay for and consume quality water and investigate management models employed by the water systems. The study was guided by empowerment theory. The study employed a cross sectional survey design involving qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Out of the 1521 households in Rabuor Sub-Location, a total of 93 household heads were sampled through systematic random sampling techniques, the researcher conducted 7 key informant interviews, bringing the total sample to 100 respondents. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the randomly selected household heads. On the other hand, purposive sampling was used to select key informants interviews. Two key focused group discussion (one with males and another with females) were conducted where in each session there were eight participants. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with the help of statistical package for social scientists (SPSS version 19). The results were presented in the form of frequency tables, charts, averages and percentages. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and supported by verbatim quotations. It is hoped that the study may be used to inform and enforce the existing commercialization policies as well as contribute towards the realization of Millennium Development Goals that specifically target to halve by 2015 the proportion of the population without quality water and the realization of Vision 2030's goal of water and sanitation for all.