Water supply and demand situation among households and institutions in Nakuru municipality, Kenya

Abstract

The quantity and quality of water allocated and used by households and institutions is an important aspect of water supply which influences hygiene and the social well being of humanity. Water contributes to economic growth and is regarded as a fundamental human right under a number of international treaties and conventions. This underscores the need for a proper allocation of water resources. In 1985, it was estimated that 25 % of the urban population in developing countries lacked access to safe water. In Nakuru Municipality, it is estimated that the current level of water supply is about 48%, which is below the national average of 60%. The circumstances behind this problem are not clear and needed further investigation. The broad objective of this study was to investigate the water supply and demand situation Nakuru Municipality. The study was done in three estates namely; Miliniani, Shabab and Kaptembwo which represent different income levels. Water use in schools, health centers and hotels and restaurants within the Municipality was also assessed. The research employed social Survey techniques. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from different sectors of the population within the study area. Primary data was collected using oral interviews, quiestionnaires, key informants, and observations. Stratified random sampling techniques were applied in collecting data from households, schools and health centers in the study area. Data analysis was done using the computer based Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study established that 88% of all households and institutions in the Municipality rely on water from the Municipal Council with 12% using vended or water from communal water kiosks and individual tube wells. Household size and education level were found to directly influence the amount of water needed by households. However, income (t=O.966; p=0.335) and occupation rt=0.722; p=O.471) levels did not have a significance effect on the amount of water used. The Endings further showed that 75% of the residents in the Municipality use less than the average amount of water suggested by the World Health Organization (50 liters per day). The results also énwed that 22% of the households used between 9 and 14 liters of Water daily while 15% used between 14 and 27 liters. Only 25% of the respondents mostly from Milimani used more than 27 of water per day. The study concluded that the amount of water available for distribution ills short of demand and hence the need for new water sources