ASSESSMENT OF INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PRACTICE IN YATTA CANAL, MACHAKOS DISTRICT, KENYA

Abstract

Yatta Canal is situated in Yatta division, Machakos district about 100 km from Nairobi along Thika- Garissa road. It is
about 60 Km long and supplies water for domestic, livestock and irrigation use. Over the years, the water supply has
been unreliable especially during dry season leading to conflicts between upstream and downstream consumers.
Sometimes the Government has been forced to intervene to restore order. The study aimed at assessing the use of Yatta
canal, based on the principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) which stipulates efficient use of
water and involvement of all stakeholders in decision making for sustainability. Based on this concept, it was established
that the current water demand outstrips supply and that there is inefficient water use especially for irrigation. Water
allocation process favours landowners, and stakeholders are not fully involved in planning, management and
development. Further, women’s participation in decision-making is minimal. There is no environmental voice during
water allocation and thus the reserve/ base flow in the canal has not been maintained. This means that IWRM concept
has not been practiced and this has resulted to conflict among various water users. As Yatta canal gets water from Thika
river, there is need to establish Thika river basin water users association where stakeholders can influence decisions on
water allocation and management. This will create a forum to discuss efficient water use at all levels and promote
internal policing to ensure fair allocation, thus minimizing conflicts and promoting the IWRM concept.