| dc.description.abstract | The main purpose of this study was to identify water sources in Bahari Sub basin, and
determine how they were managed so that they benefit the whole community while
preserving the environment for the future generation. It also aimed to determine whether
integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles offered sustainable
development and management of water resources. The study identified the challenges
facing the Kenya water sector as:-
• Growing population
• Water scarcity
• Climate variability and water Resources Degradation
• Declining flow volumes
• Natural phenomena
• Catchment Degradation
• Invasive Species
'. Storage and infrastructure investment
• Water Demand
• Ground water depletion
• Solid waste management
To handle these challenges. the study assessed the water resources, their utilization.
policies. and institutions in Bahari Sub basin. The study focused on the following areas:-
• Indicate the wide range. and ramifications. of water management, and the
relationship between the water sector and other parts of the economy.
• Identify the principal issues involved in managing water resources, for the
guidance of policy-makers.
• Preparation of an inventory of existing water resources data. reports and maps
covering rainfall. evaporation. groundwater, steam flow, water abstraction
permits and water quality. The data collected was evaluated to determine
additional data to be collected from the field for an improved assessment of
water resources availability in the study area. This was followed by a field
inventory of natural and constructed water points on rainwater, surface water
and ground water.
The stakeholders involved in the water sector were identified and their roles in the water
sector determined. Their knowledge of the ongoing sector reforms was also ascertained.
Household survey was conducted to provide data on the water and sanitation situation in
the study area. the level of knowledge of water regulations by the communities and the
conservation methods applied within the households. The survey involved selection of a
representative probability sample of 12 households. The contents of the questionnaire
included collection of data on population, water, sanitation, management and water
conservation. Enumerators who had been trained earlier did the interviewing of the
respondents.
The results of the study showed that;
• The sub basin had water resources that if properly managed, could supply
adequate water to the residents. The water sources included wells,springs,and
boreholes and tap water
• The development of the water resources was not done in an orderly manner and
this lend to abandonment of 77%of the boreholes, and 54% of the wens.
• Pipelines took water from the main Baricho-Mombasa pipeline which passed
through the basin. These pipelines were constructed by the government, NGOs or
the local community with technical assistance from the MW&1 staff.
• The water resources were polluted by agricultural activities. agro based industries
and factories. urbanization, and ocean water intrusion.
Based on the results obtained from the research, conclusions were drawn. and
recommendations made on the best way of implementing 1WRM strategy in Bahari
sub basin. | en |
