Water supply and sanitation in Kenya

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Water Supply and Sanitation in Kenya

Water supply and sanitation in Kenya is characterized by a number of challenges, including limited access to improved water sources and sanitation facilities, especially in rural areas and informal settlements. The sector is governed by a complex institutional framework and faces issues related to water scarcity, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure.

Access to Water

Access to water supply in Kenya varies significantly between urban and rural areas. In urban areas, approximately 82% of the population has access to improved water sources, while in rural areas, this figure drops to around 57%. The main sources of water include rivers, lakes, boreholes, and rainwater harvesting.

Sanitation

Sanitation in Kenya also shows a disparity between urban and rural regions. In urban areas, about 31% of the population has access to improved sanitation facilities, compared to only 29% in rural areas. Common sanitation facilities include pit latrines, septic tanks, and sewer systems.

Institutional Framework

The water and sanitation sector in Kenya is overseen by several institutions, including the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB), and various Water Services Boards (WSBs). These institutions are responsible for policy formulation, regulation, and service provision.

Challenges

The sector faces numerous challenges, including:

• **Water Scarcity**: Kenya is classified as a water-scarce country, with per capita water availability below the global threshold.
• **Pollution**: Industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and inadequate waste management contribute to water pollution.
• **Infrastructure**: Many areas lack adequate infrastructure for water supply and sanitation, leading to reliance on unsafe water sources and poor sanitation practices.
• **Funding**: Insufficient funding hampers the development and maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure.

Government Initiatives

The Kenyan government has implemented several initiatives to improve water supply and sanitation, including:

• **Vision 2030**: A long-term development blueprint aiming to transform Kenya into a middle-income country, with significant investments in water and sanitation infrastructure.
• **Water Sector Reforms**: Reforms aimed at decentralizing water services and improving efficiency and accountability.

Non-Governmental Organizations

Numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operate in Kenya, working to improve access to clean water and sanitation. These organizations often collaborate with local communities and government agencies to implement sustainable solutions.

See Also

• Water supply and sanitation in Africa
• Water resources management in Kenya
• Environmental issues in Kenya
• Public health in Kenya