Effect of donor support by water services trust fund on the performance of water service providers in Kenya

Abstract

WSTF has been a fundamental part of water sector in Kenya. Much of its work aims at extending water services to those who do not have clean and safe water (Pro-poor). This is done through provision of grants, strengthen Water Services Providers through training, and technical advice through Public-Private Partnerships. It is in this context that WSTF sources funds from government and other development partners to achieve its mission. The support usually has strengthened the WSPs but the extent of the effect to the organizations has not been investigated.The objective of the study is to analyze the effect of donor support by WSTF on performance of Water Services Providers in Kenya. Specifically the study investigated the effect of Grants, Capacity Building and Public-Private Partnership on performance. Data pertaining support to Water Services Providers was obtained from WSTF’s Water and Sewerage Investment Department. Performance data was obtained from Impact Reports published by WASREB from the year 2009/2010 to 2012/2013. For the purpose of this study a cross-sectional descriptive study was adopted and panel data analysis was used. Grants had a positive effect on metering ratio and turnover while non on staff performance and cost recovery. Capacity Building sessions had a positive effect on staff productivity and a negative effect on metering ratio and turnover, it further had no effect on cost recovery. Public-Private Partnership had no effect on any performance variable.