Decentralisation as a tool in improving water governance in Kenya

Water governance remains barely understood in Kenya, despite the fact that water scarcity is endemic in the country. This study focuses on the role of decentralisation in water and sanitation services delivery in two sub-counties: Kiambu and Thika. The study uses primary data from a survey involving 766 respondents and secondary evidence from water agencies' records. Findings point to the need to adopt decentralisation particularly in stakeholder participation on water issues, power and role distribution in the Kenyan water sector. Decentralisation trends have been shown to enhance accountability, acceptance of pluralistic trends, and efficient and effective service delivery. Water policy revisions, enforcement and the proactive nature of water users are also prerequisites to better water and sanitation services delivery, if sustainable water management will be realised in the near future.