Determinants of Performance of Water Projects in Urban Center in Kenya: A Case of Mji Wa Kale Sub-Location in Mombasa County

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the determinants of the performance of water projects in urbanized centres based on a Case Study of Mji wa Kale in Mombasa County.Methodology: The study adopted to descriptive study with a target population of 10,069 people comprised of 10, 056 population of the sub-location (KNBS, 2019 Census), ten purified water service providers (purposive), and a respondent each from the region’s water supply regulators, i.e., Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Mombasa Water and Sanitation Company and Coast Water Works Agency. They were sampled using Solvins formula n = N / (1 + N e2) and simple random reduction to 15% to utilize a sample size of 70 respondents. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires and, where possible, interviews. Data analysis was through mean, frequencies, inferential statistics and descriptive methods through Statistical Package for Social Sciences - SPSS. Data was narrated and reported below frequency TablesFindings: The study found that technology uses in water supply influences the Performance of Water Projects in urbanized centres and that water services companies have the relevant technology skills required in the current trends on new innovative technologies in their supply to the commodity. The study concluded a significant relationship between the availability of natural water sources, consumer preferences of price, appropriate technology, stakeholder involvement, management skills and Performance of water projects in urbanized centres.Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study recommends that water management committees that have untrained community members should not be entrusted to manage these facilities, leading to mismanagement and unwarranted system breakdowns. The study also recommends that project leaders and members be trained on the effective use of scarce water supplied to reduce the losses in quantity and quality of water as delivered from source through to households for use to eventual disposal. There is a need to enhance transparency and accountability levels among the committee members. There is a need for close monitoring and evaluation of water projects by implementing organizations to enhance sustainability. Community participation right from conception and design of water projects to implementation is recommended to enhance water projects' community ownership. There is a need to encourage diversified livelihoods, especially those directly supported by water resources.