Analysis of the Effect of Water Sector Reforms on Governance in Athi Water Services Board, Kenya

Abstract

The study analyzed the effect of water sector reforms on governance at athi water services board. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the impact on coverage, reporting, stakeholder and the challenges encountered in the implementation of water sector reforms on governance at Athi Water Services Board.  The study examined the moderating effect of government legislation and donors. The study was guided by two theories: stakeholder theory and dynamic capabilities theory. The study used mixed methodology that involved collecting data by combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was 80 employees working from the top management level, middle level management and functional level of management. The researcher conducted a census. Questionnaires were used to collect the data in which contained both open-ended questions and close-ended questions. Content and the construct validity was obtained with the help of the supervisor, who rechecked the research instruments to justify that the material inside the questionnaire was sufficient for the research. Likewise, to test for the reliability of the instruments, ten employees from Rift Valley Water Services Board were used and the internal consistency was tested using Cronbach’s alpha (α) in which the recommended value of 0.7 was utilized as a cut-off of reliabilities. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis while quantitative using descriptive and inferential statistics.The study found that coverage is positively and significantly related to governance (β=.337, p=0.000). Moreover, a positive and significant relationship was found to exist between reporting and governance (β=.241, p=0.004). Further, stakeholder participation was found to have a positive and significant relationship on governance (β=.182, p=0.039). The regression results indicated challenges is negatively and significantly related to governance (β=.-135, p=0.046). In addition, government legislation and donors was found to be a good moderator. The R square increased significantly from 0.677 (67.7%) to 0.846 (84.6%) when coverage, reporting, stakeholder participation and challenges were interacted with government legislation. The study concluded that coverage, reporting, stakeholder participation, challenges were significant in predicting governance. The study recommended there should be adequate connection to the informal sectors with sufficient water supply, developing of more sources of water and enhancing the high frequency of water supply in urban areas. There is a need for the preparation and maintenance of a strategic plan. The study also recommended that the finance department  be independent and not influenced by management. Also, there is a need for enabling stakeholders to inspect the books of accounts freely. There should be more involvement of stakeholders to understand the root of the water sector challenges. Sufficient funds  should be directed to the water sector to facilitate engagement in projects. There should be the facilitation of better services for Kenyans.  There should be an investment in infrastructure necessary for production of  clean water. There should be the creation of enhanced legislation that will improve governance in  the water sector in Kenya.  Keywords: Coverage, reporting, stakeholder participation, governance, challenges on governance, government legislation, water sector reforms, Athi Water Services Board, Kenya