Performance Of Non-State Actors In Provision Of Water Along Kiambere-Mwingi Water Pipeline In Kamuwongo Division, Kitui County

Abstract

The Millennium Development Goal 7c of halving the population without access to safe drinking water was achieved in 2010. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya included, this goal is yet to be met as disparities still thrive. About 57 per cent of the households in Kenya have access to safe water. The government has tried to improve water service provision through resource allocation; reforming key institutions involved in supply of water and water pipelines have also been established in the rural areas as part of the government’s plan to improve access to water in the areas. Kiambere-water pipeline is one of the pipelines that were established by the government to improve water access in the arid area of Mwingi. This pipeline however, has not realized its full potential because of several factors. First, the water points are located far away from some of the villages leaving most people especially in Kamuwongo Division without access to water service. Secondly, the Water Service Board in the area has also not been effective in ensuring that the people along that pipeline are served with water. This has led to the entry of non-state actors in the provision of water services to fill the gap left by the state. This study investigated the performance of the non-state actors in provision of water service in Kamuwongo Division. To achieve this, the researcher employed both secondary and primary data. Primary data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules, photography, checklists and observation guides. Data from the questionnaires were coded and then analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Information from Interviews and checklists were organized and analyzed in themes. Data were then presented in tables, charts and graphs. This study recommends the adoption of capacity building, improvement of water supply water, proper management of CBO water initiatives, increasing level of investments towards water service provision, subsidizing connection fee and improving water infrastructure.