Influence of Land Tenure on Gender Participation in Management of Water Projects in Njoro Sub-County, Nakuru

Most water projects in Kenya, account for women having fewer opportunities in decision making committees than the men counter parts. In Njoro sub-county there are different ethnic groups who utilize land and water differently as a result of  difference in socio-cultural backgrounds which in-turn affect gender participation in management. Kenya as a country has made great efforts to entrench gender issues in management of water projects but have been affected by socio-cultural factors such as land tenure which derail realisation of gender equality and equity in water management. Administration of water users association projects have been decentralised by the government through enactment of water Act 2002, which advocates for gender equity and equality in participation but this, has not been fully translated into practice in water and sanitation projects. In Njoro sub-county there are several water users’ association projects in which men and women perform different function in management as a result of different socio-cultural backgrounds. Despite the role played by women and men in management of water as a resource, and the efforts that the government has made in enhancing women’s participation in management of water resources, there appears to be an existing gender gap between policy and practice. The main objective of this paper is to highlight the influence of land tenure on gender participation in the management of water projects in Njoro Sub-county. Keywords: Land tenure, Gender participation, Management, Water projects

Influence of One Third Gender Rule on Gender Participation in Management of Water Projects in Njoro Sub-County, Kenya

In Kenya the importance of one third gender rule in management of rural water supply projects has often been emphasized, yet the implementation of the policy has not been fully operationalized into action. Project managers and management committees in rural water projects have not perceived the importance of gender aspects as potential contributor to sustainability of water supplies projects. However, the dynamics of power relations between women and men in management committees is commonly influenced by socio-cultural factors that perpetuate the subordinate position of women in management affairs of water projects. In Njoro sub-county some water management committees, do not put into consideration one third gender rule in electing or appointing leaders in leadership position. This paper therefore focuses on one third gender rule on water resource management in Kenya with the intension of filling the gap between policy and practice. Key words: One-third gender policy, Gender participation, Water projects, Management