| dc.description.abstract | The Ewaso Ng'iro River basin, the largest of the six basins in Kenya suffers from water
scarcity. Rainfall is low and unreliable and poorly distributed. The basin consists of both
arable and arid lands but arid zone occupies the largest portion. The poor water
management both at local and institutional levels are due to uncoordinated activities
resulting in conflicts among water users on one hand and water managers on the other.
The paper analyses the roles of the different water actors, their areas of collaboration, and
possible conflicts. It also addresses the legal aspects of water and their shortcomings.
The study found out that there are very many institutions engaged in water management;
and each of these institutions have their respective laws governing their operations. The
laws governing their operation are scattered in several Acts of Parliament, giving
responsibilities to several actors thereby making it difficult for an actor to perform
effectively without the others. In addition, the Institutions perform functions, which are
related but they do not collaborate. Apart from the institutional and the legal framework,
there are other factors that influence water management namely increasing population,
Increasing economic activities, land use changes, and household perceptions.
The study concluded that the uncoordinated nature of the various institutions in Upper
Ewaso Ng'iro North catchment, their approaches to water management and perceptions
cannot ensure sustainable water resource management. The conflicting water related laws
worsen the situation. | en |
