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

Daniel O. Odaro, Joshua O. Obiri & Denis M. Masika
Department of Geography and Natural Resources Management
Maseno University, Kenya
Email: danielodaro79@gmail.com

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 socio-cultural, 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.