"This publication is expected to provide insights into the present water supply and sanitation in rural Kenya by identifying potential cost-effective sources of community water supply systems; determining the current water demand and assessing the capacity of existing water supplies; recommending possible and viable solutions to community sanitation problems; identifying existing structures for water development in rural communities and areas of collaboration with other players in the water sector; and determining the extent of environmental degradation in water catchments and recommending possible remedies. This publication will form the basis for effective planning, monitoring, and evaluation of water supply and sanitation development projects in rural Kenya. The focus of this publication is on the sustainability of water supply systems and sanitation that have been realized by water development projects in rural Kenya. It attempts to look into proposed and completed projects with a view to improving the implementation and sustainability of development project activities. It also attempts to look at sustainability through a transition strategy where the local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) community-based organizations (CBOs), faith-based organizations (FBOs) and Water Users Committees (WUCs) would take charge of water supply systems. An increased local capacity building through training, formulation and enforcement of water management by-laws would ensure the sustainability of the operation and maintenance of developed water sources."

Water utilities are the main instrument for countries to achieve universal service coverage. In pursuing universal service coverage, water utilities have turned to pro-poor water services to extend water services in low-income areas. This thesis discusses the use of pro-poor water services by water utilities in Kenya, with the intention of highlighting the dimensions of the approach that require attention of policy makers and practitioners when engaging with the concept. Based on the analysis of the technologies, financial and organisational arrangements associated with the pro-poor concept, this thesis shows that the use of pro-poor strategies allows water utilities to reduce the risks of servicing low-income areas while still claiming to fulfil their mandate of providing access to all in a commercially viable manner. The analysis also shows that rather than a decision of the water utility, the choice for pro-poor strategies emerges as the result of a consensus or compromise between the different actors that constitute the broader institutional environment in which water utilities operate. The thesis concludes that while pro-poor water services may serve the interests of water utilities and other stakeholders, in the absence of well-directed subsidies and proper monitoring they will not result in low-income households benefiting from more affordable and reliable access to water.

Water Services Management and Governance focuses on water services (water supply, wastewater services) and deals with connections between water resources and services and water resources. It covers water supply mainly in urban communities, sanitation and pollution control and water resources and their linkages to water services. This book is divided in to four key sections relating to governance frameworks, technology and socio-ecological interactions, government and governance, and long terms policies. The chapters analyse the complexity of the water services sector based on a historical analysis of developments within the sector. The underlying conviction is that only by understanding past trends, processes and developments can the current situation in the water services be understood. Only through this understanding can policies for sustainable water services in the future be formulated. The four key sections relate to governance frameworks, technology and socio-ecological interactions, government and governance, and long terms policies. Water Services Management and Governance raises awareness that an understanding of the past is a necessity to explore potential, probable and preferable futures. It is an essential basis for water sector reforms in any country, region or community. The book is written for experts in water utilities, ministries, municipalities, NGOs, donor agencies, private companies and regulators; as well as students and researchers in water policy and governance, and the management of water resources, services and infrastructure. Editors: Dr. Petri S. Juuti is a historian, and Adjunct Professor in the universities of Tampere, Oulu and Turku. Tapio S. Katko, Civil engineer, Adjunct Professor, UNESCO Chairholder in Sustainable Water Services at Tampere University of Technology, Finland. Klaas Schwartz, Senior Lecturer, Urban Water Governance in the Department of Integrated Water Systems and Governance at the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Delft, the Netherlands. Assistant Editor: Riikka P. Rajala, Environmental Engineer, Post-Doctoral researcher in University of Tampere, Finland.

This book provides valuable scientific information on the present status of water supply and sanitation in rural Kenya. The focus is on viability and sustainability of water supply systems and sanitation that have been realized by water development projects in rural Kenya.