Abstract

The Government of Kenya introduced Sessional Paper no 10 in 1965 that stated that for the economy to grow as a whole and as fast as possible, development money should be invested where it will yield the largest increase in net output. It further stated that this approach favored development of areas with abundant natural resources, good land and rainfall, transport and power facilities and people receptive to and active in development. For many years, this statement guided direction of government resources hence neglecting ASAL areas. Even though, and with promulgation of Constitution (2010), Kenya as a water scarce country did devolve water provision to counties, the question of whether administration of devolved water services has assisted in solving challenges related to water provision as desired and anticipated by target six (6) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as Kenya’s Vision 2030 still remain unresolved. The purpose of this study was therefore to establish the moderating effect of planning on the relationship between administration of devolved water services and water provision in ASAL in Kenya. The study used positivism research orientation.Cross- sectional survey research design was adopted. The target population entailed the 113 sub-counties in ASAL where a sample of 89 sub-counties was targeted. Questionnaire helped in collecting primary data. Secondary data collection was done via desk study. planning has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between administration of devolved water services and health-care service delivery in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands in Kenya given that ΔR² = 0.003, ΔF(1, 70) = 25.1907, b = 0.763, t(72) = 5.824, p-Value=0.000 < 0.05. Findings of this study would contribute useful information that would help in the formulation of an action plan for sustainable water management and conservation in the devolved systems in ASAL in Kenya and the entire country in general. From the findings, the study recommended the need to improve water conservation, protection of catchments and water sources. It should be ensured that there is effective, efficient and sustainable management of both urban and rural water services.

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