Influence of Governance Structures of the Community Water Projects on Sustainability in the Suam Catchment Area of West Pokot County, Kenya
Water resources management remains a critical challenge for most of the players in the water sector. This is worsened by the unpredictable climatic conditions that are experienced on the globe in the recent past and present. It is evident that in most parts of Africa, women and young children shoulder the heavy burden of providing water to their families. This leaves them with little time for other demanding day-to-day assignments. This study seeks to analyze the effect of governance of community water projects on sustainability of community water projects in Suam Catchment area of West Pokot County in Kenya. The findings would be of value to stakeholders, partners, policy makers, planners, donor agencies and relevant government agencies in formulating policies to address the challenges and hindrances to Integrated Water Resources Management.The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. It had a total population of 96 respondents drawn from different strata. This study used census-sampling technique where the entire population was used as sample size hence, 96 respondents. Data collection tools were questionnaires and interview schedules. Data was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively with quantitative analysis employing both descriptive statistics involving mean, median, frequency distributions and percentages as well as inferential statistics.Qualitative data was analysed in themes and appropriately merges with its respective objectives under quantitative analysis. The study found out that there were between 11-15 projects in the Suam catchment area. The officials of the water projects were not democratically elected and there was no women participating in the management. The study concludes no significant relationships between governance structures. It is recommended that the Ministry of Water and Sanitation implement policy pertaining to management of water resources.