A Comparative Analysis of Kenya’s Water Sector Performance Trajectory in the Pre- and Post- Devolution Eras (2009-2022): Evidence from WASREB’s Key Performance Indicators

Abstract

Kenya’s water sector has undergone significant institutional and governance transformation over last two decades, most notably following the constitutional entrenchment of devolution in 2010 and its operationalization from 2013. This study undertakes a comparative qualitative analysis of Kenya’s water sector performance trajectory during the pre- devolution (2009-2012) and post-devolution (2013-2022) periods, using sector-wide key Performance Indicators (KPIs) published by the Water Services Regulatory Boards (WASEREB). Drawing on descriptive statistics and trend analysis of six core performance indicators 
namely, water coverage, non-revenue water, hours of supply, metering ratio, revenue collection efficiency, operation, and maintenance cost coverage. The paper assesses whether decentralization of water services has translated into improved service delivery, financial sustainability, and operational efficiency. The findings reveal uneven performance gains with improvements in access, metering, and revenue collection coexisting with persistent structural challenges, particularly high non-revenue water and service reliabilities, financing gaps and governance fragmentation. Policy recommendations emphasize regulatory enforcement, targeted capacity building, and renewed focus on efficiency-driven reforms to align sector performance with Kenya’s constitutional rights to water.