Discussion Paper No. 136 of 2012 on Enhancing Formal Access to Water in Kenya: The Non-Revenue Water Management Approach

Abstract

Access to safe water is both a necessity for life and a Constitutional right for all citizens in Kenya, despite there being widespread condemnation of unequal access, management, and waste of water. Additionally, there is growing realization in the 21st century of the need to enhance ecologically friendly water usage and harvesting techniques that rely less on the “hard-path” infrastructure approach. The purpose of this study is to promote “soft path” infrastructure approach through better understanding of the effect of water losses on access to safe water. The study assessed the effect of changes in levels of non-revenue water (NRW) on formal access to water in Kenya, and further approximated the impact of proper management of non-revenue water to the urban population and to the economy. Regression analysis using Ordinary Least Squares method and qualitative method of analysis were used. Data was sourced from Water Services Regulatory Board Annual Report-Impact report, No. 4 of 2011. The study established that the available water treatment capacity (facility) in the country can adequately serve the urban population and the hinterland, if nonrevenue water is appropriately managed and kept at the recommended 25 per cent level. The study demonstrated that just one per cent reduction in non-revenue water will enable the water sector collect Ksh 7.3 million more revenue per year, as additional 15 per cent of urban population gain access to safe water at a reasonable consumption per capita level of 42 litres per person per day. However, policy issues of system efficiency, networking, economic viability and public involvement are pertinent to the achievement of the estimated outcome.