| dc.description.abstract | ABSTRACT
More than 80% of the world's population in rural areas currently has no access to improved safe water
supplies. The Kenya Census of 2009, indicates that, more than 35.4% of Kenyan households depend on
point sources (springs, wells, boreholes) while around 63.1% of rural population is relying on untreated
(unsafe) water. These high figures occur yet water is recognized in the water Act 2002 and the constitution
of Kenya 20 I0 as a fundamental human right. In an attempt to provide clean water, the government of
Kenya, in the water Act 2002 focuses on commercialization and professionalization of water services to
Kenyan population. Although in towns the commercialization of water services has picked up, the same is
not true in rural areas. For example, in Rabuor Sub-location, a report indicates that for every three water
systems established; only one survives. But it is not known why water systems fail. Therefore this study
sought to investigate involvement of community members during establishment of the water projects;
examine community willingness to pay for and consume quality water and investigate management models
employed by the water systems. The study was guided by empowerment theory. The study employed a
cross sectional survey design involving qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Out of the
1521 households in Rabuor Sub-Location, a total of 93 household heads were sampled through systematic
random sampling techniques, the researcher conducted 7 key informant interviews, bringing the total
sample to 100 respondents. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the randomly selected
household heads. On the other hand, purposive sampling was used to select key informants interviews.
Two key focused group discussion (one with males and another with females) were conducted where in
each session there were eight participants. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with
the help of statistical package for social scientists (SPSS version 19). The results were presented in the
form of frequency tables, charts, averages and percentages. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and
supported by verbatim quotations. It is hoped that the study may be used to inform and enforce the existing
commercialization policies as well as contribute towards the realization of Millennium Development Goals
that specifically target to halve by 2015 the proportion of the population without quality water and the
realization of Vision 2030's goal of water and sanitation for all. | en_US |
