Factors affecting the sustainability of a community water supply project in Kenya

Abstract

This paper examines how three sustainability factors (water supply, regulatory policy, local management) are affecting the sustainability of a community water supply project in Kenya. Findings show that after 10 years the project is at a threshold of sustainability – it may yet fail. Changing rainfall patterns and additional withdrawals from new projects are threatening available water supply. The community is resisting compliance with water sector reforms including those intended to benefit community-managed projects. Community management deficiencies and a lack of supportive external relationships are impeding project continuity and sustainable local water management.

Cet article examine l'incidence qu'ont trois facteurs de durabilité (approvisionnement en eau, politiques de réglementation, gestion locale) sur la durabilité d'un projet communautaire d'approvisionnement en eau au Kenya. D'après les conclusions, au bout de 10 ans, le projet se trouve à un seuil sur le plan de la durabilité – il pourrait encore échouer. L’évolution des schémas des précipitations et les retraits supplémentaires de nouveaux projets menacent la disponibilité d'eau. La communauté rechigne à se plier à des réformes du secteur de l'eau, y compris celles dont le but est de profiter à des projets gérés par la communauté. Les défauts de la gestion communautaire et le manque de relations externes solidaires entravent la continuité des projets et la gestion durable de l'eau au niveau local.

El presente artículo analiza cómo tres factores que contribuyen a la sostenibilidad —el abastecimiento de agua, la política regulatoria y la gestión local—, han influido en el sostenimiento de un proyecto comunitario vinculado al abastecimiento de agua que se ha implementado en Kenia. Transcurridos diez años de haberse comenzado a operar dicho proyecto, los hallazgos indican que el mismo está en el umbral de la sostenibilidad, aunque todavía podría fracasar. En este sentido, los cambios registrados en el régimen de lluvias y la captación de agua como consecuencia de la implementación de proyectos nuevos amenazan con disminuir la disponibilidad de agua. Por esta razón, la comunidad se resiste a acatar las reformas que quieren establecerse en el sector de agua, oponiéndose incluso a aquellas destinadas a beneficiar proyectos gestionados a nivel comunitario. Las fallas detectadas en la gestión comunitaria, conjuntamente con la carencia de relaciones externas solidarias impiden la continuación del proyecto y que el agua se gestione de manera sostenible a nivel local.

Keywords:

• Civil society – Participation
• Environment (built and natural) – Climate change
• Social sector – Water and sanitation
• Sub-Saharan Africa

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Corrigendum

Notes on contributors

Harry Spaling (corresponding author) is Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies at The King's University College, Edmonton, Canada. Seven years of community development practice now inform and shape his applied research on the sustainability of resource-based livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Geoffrey Brouwer received a BA from The King's University College and is completing a Master's programme in the Norman Paterson School for International Affairs at Carlton University, Ottawa. He has completed several short-term assignments in relief and development in Tanzania and Kenya, and also conducted the community-based research for this paper.

Jesse Njoka is Professor of Rangeland Management and Director of the Center for Sustainable Drylands Ecosystems and Societies in the Department of Land Resources Management & Agricultural Technology, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, University of Nairobi.

Acknowledgements

We thank local officials, public water managers, representatives of NGOs and the private sector, and, especially, the leaders and beneficiaries of the Kisayani water supply project for their participation in and contribution to our research. Research support was provided by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, The King's University College and the University of Nairobi.

Notes

1. Acronyms used for sources cited include ASCE – American Society of Civil Engineers, and IEA – Institute for Economic Affairs.

2. An EIA was a new condition of water permits at the time.

3. Further reforms are likely as the Water Act of 2002 is aligned with the new constitution. For example, decentralisation to the County level implies devolution of water sector responsibilities to this level.