Sustainable Abstraction of Water Resource: A Case Study of Kuywa Sub-Catchment in Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya

Abstract

Water resource – both surface and groundwater – provides the basis for any significant socio-cultural, economic and ecological  development in any region or country of the world whether developed or developing. This owes to its multi-sectoral use in all spheres of  development – industrial, urban, agricultural, public as well as domestic and aesthetic purposes. Its availability in the right quality and  quantity is thus fundamental at any point in time. The reverse scenario – water scarcity or stress and compromised quality – retards  development, a phenomenon usually blamed on bad politics. Far from it! Sufficient supply of clean and safe water to all users calls for  safe yield abstraction. This is only possible if all the policy, institutional and legal frameworks in the water sector provided by the Water  Act, 2016 are adhered to. The paper thus attempts to examine how safe yield abstraction can be achieved so as to enhance sociocultural,  economic and ecological development. This would translate into sustainable development. The study used surveys, photography, GIS and  SPSS to collect and analyze data. Besides, GPS and ADCP were used during field survey. The paper focuses on the Kuywa sub- catchment in Kakamega catchment. The study established that a number of water abstraction points are functional but not protected by  the users. The water points are privately, communally and institutionally owned. However, most abstractors do not have permits for  operation. Water abstraction faces a number of challenges which need to be addressed for sustainable utilization. The findings are vital  for streamlining water abstraction for sustainability.