Provision of water and sanitation in Kenyan urban areas: an evaluation of existing and alternative models
Abstract
That water is essential for both consumption and for sanitation is not in doubt. Its
management determines how people relate to their health, socio-cultural, economic
development and their environment.
Poor performance of urban water provision and public utilities in developing countries
have led to calls for a reduction in the role of the state and the increased role of the
private sector in what has traditionally been the domain of the public service. The
challenges faced by water providers in urban areas are wide and varied. They include the
rapid population growth due to rural-urban migration and the changing profile of these
populations, with an increasing percentage being poor.
Globally, governments have responded by implementing various water provision models,
including fully-fledged privatisation. commerCialisation, concessions and management
contracts.
In Kenya, the Government initiated interventions in 1986 with the production of a
Sessional Paper that stipulated the necessary measures to achieve commercialisation.
Nine municipalities namely Eldoret, Kericho, Kisumu, Kitale, Nakuru, Nanyuki, Nyahururu,
and Nyeri were identified as pilot towns for commercialisation.
The primary objective of this research project was to identify whether the
commercialisation so far undertaken in Kenya have successfully responded to the
challenges. The other objective was to give recommendations on whether other water
provision models might produce better results.
In chapter one of this report, the introduction and the background of the study have
been outlined. The research problem, objectives of the study and its Significance has also
been stated. Chapter two which comprises the literature review, has presented the key
issues in Water and Sanitation utilities, and explained the different models. Chapter three
has covered the research methodology, the population, methods of data collection and
analysis. Chapter four has the data analysis and findings while chapter five contains
conclusions and recommendations. Further topics of research related to this area of study
are also suggested here.
vi
Citation
MBASponsorhip
University of NairobiPublisher
University of Nairobi School of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences