Community Participation in Needs Assessment and Provision of Water Supply in Garissa Township Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Access to reliable water supply remains a major challenge in arid and semi-arid areas, where infrastructure limitations and climatic variability constrain service delivery. This study assessed the role of community participation in needs assessment in enhancing the provision of water supply in Garissa Township Sub-County, Kenya. The study was guided by Stakeholder Theory, which conceptualises community members as stakeholders whose needs, knowledge and interests should inform decisions affecting water services. A descriptive survey research design integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches was adopted. The target population comprised 3,000 stakeholders, including 500 government officials, 500 non-governmental organisation workers and 2,000 community representatives. Using Yamane’s formula, a sample of 250 respondents was selected through purposive sampling for government and NGO representatives, simple random sampling for community representatives, and proportionate allocation. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides. Validity was enhanced through pilot testing and guidance, while reliability analysis produced a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.81 for the needs-assessment participation items, indicating acceptable internal consistency. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations and Pearson correlation in SPSS Version 31, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The analysis was based on 206 responses. Descriptive findings indicated low community participation in needs assessment, with mean scores ranging from 2.1 to 2.3 across the five indicators. Nevertheless, Pearson correlation established a moderate positive and statistically significant relationship between community participation in needs assessment and provision of water supply (r = .517, p < .001). Qualitative findings indicated that participation was largely consultative, with communities involved in meetings and forums but having limited influence over technical,  financial and project decisions. Findings suggest that meaningful participation can strengthen the relevance and responsiveness of water interventions when community priorities are incorporated into planning, implementation and monitoring. The study concludes that community participation in needs assessment is significantly associated with water supply provision and recommends institutionalising community input in project prioritisation, strengthening incorporation of local knowledge and feedback, and treating participation as a continuous process. Further research should use longitudinal, comparative and mixed-method designs to examine institutional, financial, environmental and governance factors influencing water supply outcomes.