Water Supply Challenges and Storm Water Management in Kisii Municipality, Nyakomisaro Sub Catchment, Kenya

Abstract

The water supply system in Kisii municipality faces many challenges. The municipality is located within the Nyakomisaro sub catchment and the water supply relies heavily on the River Nyakomisaro. The water supply system is dilapidated and there is a lot of wastage due to poor maintenance. The state of the catchment does not permit all year round supply due to degradation and climatic variability and this compromises sub-catchment integrity, given the ever rising population and increasing human activities. This study investigated challenges for water supply and stream flow management using stream flow and rainfall data from the hydrometric network and structured questionnaires for water supply and storm water management in the sub catchment. Analysis was done using standard statistical methods. When dry spells last for a week, severe water shortage causes people to travel long distances in search of it and is generally expensive thereby limiting domestic and commercial activities. Dumping of solid waste along the river, road and house construction sites affect river flow. Fish farming and eucalyptus trees along the river diminish the flow. There are no proper drainage systems in the Nyakomisaro sub catchment. Reliance on river water could be reduced by rainwater harvesting yet also flooding and poor sanitation affect water supply and ecosystem management. To improve on the water supply and drainage systems, planning for water management in the sub catchment should incorporate all stakeholders including: NEMA, GWASCO and WRMA and the community.