Transparency Practices and Sustainability of Water Projects in Turkana County, Kenya

Abstract

The existing evidence in the literature reveals a lack of a compelling vision of governance practices in the sustainability of water projects. It is against this background that this research is founded. Turkana County rates among the poorest and the largest in Kenya despite a considerable infusion of capital to enhance water accessibility. This study sought to explore the effects of transparency practices on the sustainability of water projects in the Turkana South sub-county. The study adopted a descriptive design and the sample size comprised 279 individuals from various departments of Turkana County Government and 13 key informants. The study found that transparency practices are not fully utilized in water projects. Findings further indicated that transparency practices had a moderate positive and significant relationship with the sustainability of water projects. The study concludes that the authorities and management have suitable policies and frameworks that cover audit, oversight, participation, and information sharing. But these transparency practices are not fully utilized in the water projects which therefore affects the sustainability of water projects. The ministry/department of the government needs to use the findings from the study to formulate suitable frameworks, strategies, and policies that ensure transparency practices are enforced in the projects. These frameworks should ensure oversight, audit, feedback, and monitoring of the projects take place effectively.