Operational, financial and institutional considerations for rural water services: insights from Kyuso, Kenya

Challenges facing the rural water sector include meeting adequate operational performance levels, attaining financial sustainability and building institutions that are functional and fit-for-purpose. Using a water user survey (n=93), semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders (n=24), mapping and collection of financial records, an audit of water services and infrastructure in Kyuso District, Kenya provides data for comparison between different types of infrastructure, including service level (functionality, downtime, sufficient, safe, accessible and affordable water supply), institutional arrangements and revenues/operation and maintenance costs. Estimated volumes used from improved sources, reduce with rainfall, with implications for public health and financial sustainability. Unit water costs for handpumps are 2-4 times lower than for other systems, while treated pipeline supplies have high user satisfaction.