An integrated water resources management (IWRM) based approach in assessing water resources management the case of lake Naivasha basin, Kenya

Lake Naivasha basin has experienced; growth in population, which have put intense pressure on natural resources especially the water resource. Therefore, despite considerable effort, progress towards sustainable management of the basin has been limited.The study assessed the effectiveness of IWRM approach in water resources management in Lake Naivasha Basin. The study focused on women participation, participatory approach, economic instrument, the legal and institutional framework and also proposing mitigation measures to improve IWM in the basin. Data were collected through questionnaires, literature review, focus group discussions and interviews with key stakeholders in the basin. A total of 120 households were interviewed and data were analyzed using SPSS (version 16.0), Ms Excel (2007) and SWOT analysis for the institutions. The study shows that illiteracy (23%), poverty (21%) were the major barriers to women participation in water resources Management. Participatory approach requires more time and not easy to represent all the views though the community preferred the bottom up approach as 67% of the respondents were satisfied with the approach. The permit coverage is still low 46% of the basin area not covered. Challenges on the legal framework include; limited legislation on water quality charges, women participation, storage water conditions and the Act is conflicting with Environmental Management Coordination Act. There is poor enforcement of legal documents by the government, poor monitoring by WRMA and inadequate funds and technical capacity hinder WRUA’s performance. IWRM implementation is mainly hindered by limited funds thus there is need for diversifying sources of income and creating more awareness.