Multi-Level Water Governance in The Tsavo Sub-Catchment, Kenya

Abstract

Water scarcity amid soaring demand poses challenges to sustainable development, particularly when set against the backdrop of a surging global population and climate change. Despite policies that require for the incorporation of multi-level water governance arrangements to support integrated and participatory processes and ensure sustainable and equitable use of water resources, over-allocation of water resources in the Tsavo sub-catchment of southern Kenya, due to competition and scarcity, remains a hindrance. This has led to the reallocation of water resources away from ecosystems to supply irrigation and other economic activities. This study uses Governance Assessment Tool (GAT) to analyze water resource governance regime in the Tsavo sub-catchment. The results show that sub-catchment water governance is influenced by dispersed multi-level actors, some of whom were not connected to hierarchy and whose interests were diverse and conflicting. This was hindering participatory decision-making and efforts to co-produce governance arrangements that are context-specific. Water resource management regulations were developed and implemented by the Water Resources Authority (WRA) with inadequate consultation and limited consideration of local priorities.