ASSESSMENT OF STRUCTURES FOR WATER STORAGE IN TANATHI WATER SERVICES BOARD, KENYA

This paper examines the cost-effectiveness of the implementation of small Structures for Water Storage (SWSs) in Kenya by the National Water Conservation and Pipeline Corporation (NWCPC). The main study was limited to Tanathi Water Services Board. The study assesses various aspects of cost-effectiveness such as achievement of project objectives, timely completion of projects, and resource utilization among other aspects. Previous studies were reviewed while various stakeholders were also interviewed during data collection. Field and desk studies were done in Tanathi Water Services Board area using random sampling of the identified population. The results reveal that NWCPC has been deemed to be effective in implementation of Structures for Water storage (SWSs). The main benefit noted was the improved water availability for domestic and livestock uses among several other benefits. The paper notes that NWCPC still has room for improvement such as in the timing of its activities, monitoring and evaluation and community involvement. This paper also highlights some of the negative issues resulting from the implementation of the SWSs such as conflicts, loss of livestock, diseases and influx of wild animals. It also includes proposals on how the development of SWSs could be rendered more cost-effective. Finally areas identified for further research are included at the end of the paper.