Influence of community participation on sustainability of water and sanitation projects in Machakos county, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of community participation on sustainability of water and sanitation projects in Machakos County, Kenya. The study sought to examine the extent to which community participation in planning influences sustainability of water and sanitation projects; to determine how community participation in leadership influences sustainability of water and sanitation projects; to assess the extent to which community participation in monitoring and evaluation influences sustainability of water and sanitation projects; to determine how community participation in management skills influences sustainability of water and sanitation projects in Machakos County. Relevant literature was reviewed on the topics of project sustainability and community participation, particularly community participation in planning, leadership, monitoring & evaluation and management skills and how they influence sustainability of water and sanitation projects. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The total target population was 1025. A study sample of 280 water projects was considered. These were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from the respondents. Reliability of the questionnaires was tested using the split-half method. Quantitative data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) V21. Results of the study were interpreted using descriptive statistics: frequency distribution, mean, and percentages as well as inferential statistics. This study generated information that showed that sustainability of water and sanitation projects in the research area was influenced by community participation in planning, leadership, monitoring and evaluation and management skills. The findings of this study will be beneficial to various stakeholders including the community members, county government through the water and sanitation department among others. Specifically, the study generated insight in helping improve the sustainability of water and sanitation projects through active community participation. Based on the study findings, the researcher recommended for enhancement of community participation in planning, leadership, monitoring and evaluation and management skills to enhance sustainability of water projects. The study recommends other studies to be conducted on the challenges facing the sustainability of water and sanitation projects in Kenya as well as on the role of women in enhancing the sustainability of water and sanitation projects in Kenya.