Institutional Structures and Sustainability of Projects in Nyangores River Sub-Catchment Basin in Bomet County, Kenya

Abstract

Integrated basin management approach has been applied in Nyangores River sub-catchment basin, since the year 2009 but with minimal success. Sub catchment degradation, organizational weakness, the flow and quality of water had started to diminish, creating challenges for local livelihoods, wildlife in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, and in maintaining biodiversity and healthy ecosystem functioning. Water resources can be successfully managed only if the natural, social, economic and political environments, in which water occurs and used, are taken fully into consideration. The aim of this study is to determine the influence of institutional structures influence on sustainability of projects in Nyagores river sub-catchment basin in Bomet County, Kenya. The research designs used were descriptive survey and correlational research design. Stepwise and purposive sampling formed the sampling procedure. The results are presented descriptively using Tables while for qualitative data, narrative statements were used. Questionnaires, Interview guide and document analysis were used for data collection. The sample size was 371, from a targeted a population of 56,508 household heads and 10 informants, purposively selected from the water concerned institutions and ministries of Water and Agriculture. Total of 371 questionnaires were given out to the respondents and only 321, were duly filled and returned representing (86.5%). The objective was to establish the extent to which institutional structures influence sustainability of projects in Nyangores River sub-catchment Basin. The results indicated that there was a positive correlation r = 0.552, (p is was rejected and concluded that there is a significant relationship between the institutional structures and sustainability of projects in Nyangores river sub-catchment basin. R2 was 0.304; hence, 30.4% of changes in sustainability of projects are explained by institutional structures. Recommendations are; ensure a stringent policy for robust planning and management, and more robust forum for the stakeholders to complement the efforts of WRUA. It is suggested for further research, similar studies are done for the other adjacent river basins and to investigate ways of raising the level of community participation in the basin.