Influence of the community on urban sewerage systems (Kenya)

The study examined the influence of community participation in initiation of projects, airing of views and provision of resources on the implementation of sewerage systems using the case of the Rwanyange sewerage system in Meru County, Kenya applying a descriptive cross-sectional design with a mixed methods approach. The residents neighboring the treatment plant perceived the treatment plant as being meant to destroy their lives. Although the affected residents and owners were compensated for their land, the community expected to be given compensation because they neighbored the project as indicated by 61.3% of dissatisfied residents. The community were compensated for labor provision as they were employed to offer skills depending on their capacity. Correlation analysis showed that limited engagement of community members in the initial stages of project implementation increased the likelihood of the project failure. Besides, poor participation of the community in airing of views and in provision of resources had a significant influence on implementation of the sewerage system. The study concluded that community participation at all stages of project implementation was critical for its success. The study established the need to improve methods of participation to enhance inclusivity. The study also showed the criticality of explaining to the community how government projects are conceived, implemented and evaluated to avoid negative perceptions.