Decentralisation is built on the assu
mption that decentralized governme
nts are more knowledgeable about
and responsive to the needs of the poor. This article ex
amines the role of local governments in Kenya and the
ways in which they make their decisions about the allocation of resources to deliver water and sanitation
services. Two major challenges are identified: i) lack of
data that accurately reveal
which areas are most in
need; and ii) inadequate instruments for planning, monitoring and evaluation. In tackling previous
shortcomings, this study i) adopts a new specific appr
oach for data collection at community level, and ii)
exploits these data through simple composite indicator
s as policy tools that assist local government with
decision-making. It concludes that accurate and compre
hensive data are the basis of effective targeting and
prioritization, which are fundamental to sector planning.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version
