| dc.description.abstract | Water is an important commodity to human survival. As a result, households in developing countries spend considerable amount of time fetching water. This study was carried out to assess factors influencing accessibility to water for domestic use in Kipkaren Division of Nandi north District. This survey tried to investigate how environmental, financial constraints, human and location influences accessibility to water for domestic use. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design on a statistically calculated sample of households and interviewees selected through cluster sampling technique. The target population was all households in Kipkaren division; the sample size was 322 females from households and 3 ministry of water officials. The total number of respondents was 325. Data instruments employed were questionnaires and interview schedules. Validity of research instruments was determined by experts from the department. Piloting was carried out to determine reliability of the instruments by use of split half technique where questionnaires were administered to residents of the neighboring Chepterwai division; the study used descriptive technique. The study provided valuable insights on factors influencing access to water for households in Kenya generally and Kipkaren division in particular. it was found out that environmental changes had a very strong influence on access to water, respondents cited that they experienced drought and water difficulties during non-rain months., “changing rainfall patterns affecting agriculture and reducing food security; worsening water security, it was also noted that most people depended on rivers as their main water source however most of the rivers are unprotected; human activities also affects accessibility to water, respondents cited deforestation as the main human activity that has greatly affected water supply this is majorly due to pollution, population pressures, deforestation and destruction of water catchment areas. Financial constraints influenced accessibility to water the findings revealed that majority of respondents indicated that the government was the major financiers of water projects in the study area and the individuals while donor funded projects were neglejable..The source of money to finance water projects still remains a big challenge. It was revealed that water sources were not far away from the respondents only that access in terms of roads and access roads was the major concern as it emerged from the interview schedule where the officials cited that most water sources emanate from private land hence hindering access or even development. It is hoped that the findings of this study will help the Ministry of Water and Sanitation and the county government to deploy appropriate resources and policy programs to be used to ensure access to adequate water for domestic use by Kenya‟s majority poor. | en_US |
