Public opinion.2C consumer feedback and allegations of corruption Water supply and sanitation in Kenya

public opinion. 2008 survey of kenyan public opinion reported water supply not considered high priority government action. 5% of respondents said water supply among ten important issues government should address, though 60% think government handling issue badly. survey monitored instances of corruption in sub-sector: 15% of urban , 11% of rural respondents reported had pay bribe, give gift or favour government officials water or sanitation services in past year.

allegations of corruption. in september 2010, water minister charity ngilu admitted in parliament corruption rampant in public water institutions, including 8 water services boards , national water , conservation pipeline corporation. kenya water , sanitation civil society network (kewasnet) called statement height of hypocrisy , double standards , claiming minister had talked publicly corruption in sector after daily nation newspaper had uncovered corruption. shortly before chief executive officer of tanathi water services board had been suspended after wasreb audit of board alleging corruption. report had been published in march 2010 without action being taken 6 months. according kewasnet, governance in water sector @ worst , lowest ebb.

feedback consumers. in 2010 wasreb , local utilities helped establish water , sanitation action groups (wags) consisting of citizen volunteers in kisumu, kakagemam, nairobi , mombasa provide forum dialogue , feedback consumers. consumer complained inaccurate billing , metering, pipe bursts, illegal connections, poor workmanship on installations, vandalism, overcharging , corruption. utility staff suspicious , hostile. feedback done in form of focus group discussions, public hearings , scheduled meetings between citizen representatives , utility managers. while 63% of complaints resolved after 8 months, remains seen if system become permanent or extended other cities.