Influence of Tokenism in Sustainability of Rural Community Water Projects in Kenya

Abstract

1. Introduction The study investigated on the influence of tokenism in sustainability of community water projects in Makueni County Kenya. The Arnstein's ladder Theory of Citizen Participation Tokenism Part was used in the study. It was clearly depicted by Pink (2012) that water is a natural resource that is very important to human life on the planet earth vital for supporting and sustaining all life. Carter (2007) described water on the planet earth being fundamental to biosphere healthy life, human health and social well-being on economic development and growth in developing countries. Further, Carter (2007) said that fresh water resources were poorly managed and polluted in the midst of watchful eye of key water policymakers. Rural communities needed to be emancipated from vicious circle want of basic life sustenance and be empowered economically through the power of tokenism (informing, consultation and placation) to manage and sustain their water projects efficiently and effectively for sustainable community development. Water is very important in achieving a faster sustainable development which impacts positively on socioeconomic wellbeing of the community. In order to hasten the wheels of community sustainable development, water should always be readily available for all community needs. There has been many inherent misunderstanding on how communities should be empowered to attain the much needed sustainable development. Muthuri et al (2009) brings to light existence of community development agenda criticisms influenced by socio-political patronage and insensitive institutionalization of participatory process affecting local priorities which are seen as vital in empowering people. Khwaja (2004) said such emergence criticisms exacerbated by political vested