Analysing women’s perceptions of sustainability of LAKWA’S water kiosks services and benefits

Abstract

This study focused on analysing women's perceptions in relation to the sustainability of LAKWA's water kiosks services and benefits in Mpeketoni, Lamu County, Kenya. The study relied on the theory of the ladder of participation and Sarah Longwe's theory of empowerment. It employed mixed-method design in which qualitative and quantitative methods were used in collecting and analysing data. Data were collected using open and closed-ended questionnaires. The study had 200 respondents comprising 100 women from rural settlements and 100 women in the Mpeketoni division of Lamu County in Kenya. It's evident that most respondents positively perceive large families seeing more benefits of LAKWA kiosks than small families, mostly for domestic uses. These are common expectations since the water quantity raised by large families is higher than that of small families. Furthermore, it's their perception that the situation will remain the same for the next 10 to 20 years. This study recommends that further research on ways of including women's perceptions in water management planning to improve the water intake and efficiency of the LAKWA water system should be carried out.