| dc.description.abstract | The Government of Kenya has been implementing the water sector reforms since the
enactment of the Water Act 2002 to improve sector efficiency and accelerate water service
provision. In Kakamega County, 43 per cent of the water produced is unaccounted for due
to illegal connections and water wastage. Therefore, the overall objective of this study is
to assess the effect of socio-economic factors on sustainable water supply in Kakamega
County. Specifically, the study determined the effect of water tariff on sustainable water
supply in Kakamega county, to establish the effect of water production costs on sustainable
water supply in Kakamega County, to establish the effect of household characteristics on
sustainable water supply in Kakamega County and to establish moderating effect of
subsidies on the relationship between socio economic factors and sustainable water supply
in Kakamega County. The study used mixed research design comprising of correlation
research design, longitudinal and descriptive research designs. Secondary data was applied
for this study. The researcher analyzed data between 2013-2022. The study targeted 34,206
water connections in Kakamega County. Secondary data was used for this study which was
collected from Kakamega County Water and Sanitation Company (KACWASCO), Water
Services Regulatory Board (WASREB), World Bank and Kenya National Bureau of
Statistics (KNBS). The study computed both descriptive (mean and standard deviation)
and inferential statistics (simple linear regression analysis, multiple regression analysis and
hierarchical regression analysis). The study found that Water Tariffs, Water Production
Cost and Household Characteristics had a significant positive effect on Sustainable Water
Supply (p<0.05). The study further found that Water consumption Subsidy had a positive
moderating significant relationship between socio economic determinants and Sustainable
Water Supply (p<0.05). The study concluded that an increase in water tariff, water
production cost and household characteristics would result to significant increase in
sustainable water supply in Kakamega County. The study recommends that water
companies should improve the tariff base for sustainability. Water firms should manage
cash inflow and outflows for water sustainability. The number of households or water users
should be assessed to ensure sustainability. The study suggests that water firms should
accommodate all people by providing subsidies where applicable. The findings of this
research are crucial to various stakeholders in this sector including the nation’s monetary
and fiscal policy makers, the house owners and other scholars. | en_US |
