Collaborative Currents: Assessing the Role of Community Involvement in the Durability of Kajiado County’s Water Projects

Abstract

Despite the abundant natural resources available in Kajiado County, including soda ash at Lake Magadi, marble stones at Loodokilani, limestone, and sand on seasonal riverbeds, and rich wildlife, water security remains a significant challenge, especially with the fast-growing population. The expanding population, drawn by land availability and burgeoning economic opportunities in the county, is placing a considerable strain on existing water resources, amplifying the urgency for sustainable water project initiatives. Notably, a recurring problem in Kenya, particularly pronounced in rural regions, is the stagnation and decay of water projects. This situation is often exacerbated by limited community engagement in various phases of the water project lifecycle, leading to poor execution, compromised sustainability, and diminished utility for the intended beneficiaries. Previous investigations have overlooked crucial aspects of community participation, such as the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation in water project cycle. Therefore, this study was geared toward bridging this knowledge gap by determining the influence of comprehensive community participation on the sustainability of water projects funded by the County Government of Kajiado. It is recommended that during all phases of water projects, community members are encouraged to participate. Participation ensures that the projects meet community needs and preferences, contributing to their sustainability on a whole. The study recommendation is to incorporate and enhance community participation at all stages of water projects - planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation.