Influence of firm characteristics on implementation of water sector reforms in eastern region Kenya.

Abstract

Natural resources in Kenya have experienced many shortcomings due to the change of climate and global warming. The resources especially water management boards have been grappling with many management problems of trying to improve water services provision to its population. Kenyan water sector is regulated by the Water Service Regulatory Board (WSRB) hence has experienced many strategic reforms with key objective of improving the provision of clean water. Due to this transformation, water boards have being established to manage the resources by developing a sustainable and effective strategies to ensure that there is efficiency in water supply. The key objective of the study is to investigate the firm characteristics influencing water sector reforms implementation in Easter Region of Kenya with specific reference to Tanathi and Tana Water Services Boards. The study is based on descriptive research design targeting a population of 118 employees working in different departments within the Tana and Tanaathi water service boards. The study used a survey sampling method where all members of the population where considered and had equal probability of being picked. The study was purely based on primary data which was collected through the structured questionnaires which was distributed across the targeted departments. Before the actual data collection, the questionnaire was subjected to validity and reliability test to 10% of the population and the score 0.7 hence the instrument was reliable. The study data was collected, checked for completeness, coded and entered into Statistical Package for Social Science for analysis hence analyzed data was presented using frequency distribution tables. From the study findings, many small- scale water service providers (WSPs) have well documented weaknesses. The study established that there is right number of authority layers or hierarchies; however, there were no clear reporting lines. In addition, the study established that employees’ duties and responsibilities were clearly known to them, departments did not have work plan clearly showing the activities or plans to be executed and the individuals responsible for each activity; and communication was poor. Further, it was established that there was human resources issues like poor task distribution, insufficient and ill-equipped staff in skills and competency, and inadequate staff training budget. Finally, stakeholders are fully involved in reform programmes such as documentation and follow up. Breadth of service delivery and financial resources were established to influence implementation of water sector reforms. Accordingly, the study recommended timely and adequate budgetary allocation to the boards, proper staff development strategies, proper finance management practices and involvement of stakeholders in implementation programme.