Chapter 23: The conflict between privatisation and the realisation of the right to water in Kenya

Abstract

In 2009, figures released by the World Bank indicated that there was an estimated 42%-59% of nationally piped water coverage in Kenya.1 These figures, which remain the most recent estimates, are supported by Water Sector Strategic Plan2, which indicates that water coverage in rural areas is estimated at 40% and in urban areas at 60%. These figures show that millions of Kenyans have inadequate water supply.3 Within urban areas, informal settlements have proven difficult to reach in terms of water supply and in rural areas women and girls are most affected, as they have to spend disproportionate amounts of time and travel long distances to fetch water at the expense of other activities including school.4 2010 figures comparing poor and non-poor households in Kenya’s major cities (Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu) revealed that a minimum of 30% of poor households were forced to rely on small-scale water providers5 for water, while a maximum of 32% of non-poor households were in the same position.6 There is also significant water deprivation with 57% of low-income households surveyed consuming less than the water poverty line of 20 litres per capita per day and about 62% of households spending above their affordability threshold on water.7 The inadequacy of water access in Kenya goes beyond the government’s laxity in water provision. The major cities are poorly planned and populations exceed the capacity of the cities. Even with this consideration in mind, one must note the fairly low estimates of piped water coverage. However, piped water is not the only source of water. In August 2011, the Guardian8 reported that, in 2007, the Water and Sanitation ____________________