Assessing Challenges of Accessing Safe Water and Their Effects on the Quality of Life of Urban Communities in Kenya: A Case of Residents of Tyson Estate in Nairobi County

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the challenges of accessing safe water and their effects on the quality of life of urban communities in Kenya using residents of Tyson Estate in Nairobi County as a case study. Malthusian theory of population and supply induced scarcity theory constituted the theoretical frameworks that guided the study. This study utilized correlation research design. The target population was 300 households that reside in Tyson Estate. A stratified sample of 108 households was selected. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interview guides. Quantitative data was analyzed using correlation and regression techniques while qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis technique. Results showed that water access challenges significantly explained 14.4% of the variance in respondents’ quality of life, R2=.144, F (3) =3.075, p<.05, although only water affordability challenges had a statistically significant predictive influence on quality of life (B=.252, p<.05). Interview results revealed that challenges of water access varied from one crescent to another. The study concluded that water access challenges had a general adverse effect on the quality of life of urban communities in Kenya. The study has empirically demonstrated that challenges of accessing safe water is a quality-of-life issue among urban communities in Kenya. Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company should prioritize reforms that enhance piped water reliability as a matter of priority. This may necessitate structural investments in water reservoirs and conservancies to ensure volume levels that cope with urban growth is maintained.