Factors Influencing Perfomance Of Community Based Water Projects In Bomet County

Abstract

xi ABSTRACT Water is a necessary natural resource for sustenance of human life, biological arrangements and a key resource to social and economic development. Governments, NGOs, local and international organizations from all over the globe have implemented water projects to encourage safe rural water supply and sanitation in the past few years. However, these water infrastructures and water supply systems in most project areas lack of effective performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors that affect the performance of community based water projects in Kenya. Bomet County is selected as the case for the study. The study engaged descriptive survey design. The target population of the case study was 38 community water projects. Simple random sampling technique was used in this study. Through random sampling 15 community water projects were selected for the study. Primary figures for the study were collected using structured questionnaires that were given to the respondents by the researcher. The data put together was edited, coded and analyzed using SPSS. Findings were tabulated for presentation. The results of the study showed that community‟s participation, project financing, management practices and governance do influence performance of community water projects. It was also concluded that the accountability and transparency of committee members who manage the water resources is also a key factor which impacts performance. In case of perceived lack of transparency and responsibility, community members tend to withdraw their support for the water projects. The study recommends enhancement of community participation in the whole project cycle, there should be high level of management transparency and accountability of water projects, donors should have sufficient budgets for any water projects considered for implementation and organizations should support monitoring and evaluation of their water projects strongly besides ensuring that committee accountable for management and operation of water projects are well trained in operation and maintenance practices.