WHEN DEMAND EXCEEDS SUPPLY- WATER DEMAND FOR NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KABIANGA, KENYA.


Anne Sietinei
Department of Agroforestry, Environmental Studies and Integrated Natural Resources, University of Kabianga,Pretoria, Kenya
Abstract
Approximately one-third of the global population resides in countries experiencing moderate to high water stress. Additionally, Kenya is categorized as a chronically water-scarce country by the United Nations. Further, only 30% of those living in urban areas in Kenya are not connected to the water supply systems that exist. This study therefore sought to determine the water demand as well as the uses of water by non-resident students at the University of Kabianga (UoK). The study relied on an exploratory approach that employed a descriptive survey. Its target population was the non-resident students (673 students) of the UoK, from whom a sample size of 250 students was selected. 53% of the participants were males, while 47% were females. Simple random sampling was used in selecting the participants, while purposive random sampling was utilized to choose the study's private hostels (15 Hostels). The tools for data collection included questionnaires, key informant interviews, and an observation guide. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS to generate descriptive statistics and other statistical outputs presented using tables, pie charts, and graphs. Analysis showed that gender affects water demand since females’ average daily water demand is 47.54 lpcd which is higher by 12.4277lpcd than that of men. This difference was mainly attributed to the variation in water usage between male and female students. Moreover, the relationship between daily water usage and the number of students living in a room/housing unit had a high positive and statistically significant Pearson product correlation (r= .623, p<0.05). Moreover, the relationship between daily water usage and gender had a low positive statistically significant Pearson product correlation (r= .329, p<0.05). It was further established that students use water mainly for washing, bathing, cooking, drinking, and washing dishes. The relationship between the cost of 20L jerrican of water and daily water usage had a strong positive, statistically significant Pearson product correlation (r= .516, p<0.05), thus indicating that the cost of water influences daily water usage, thus influencing one`s main uses of water. The findings of this study will provide a basis for the provision of a sustainable water supply of adequate quality to non-resident students` hostels at the University of Kabianga and inform the stakeholders of appropriate measures that should be put in place to ensure adequate water supply to their tenants
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Journal Name :
EPRA International Journal of Economic Growth and Environmental Issues (EGEI)

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Published on : 2024-12-12

Vol : 12
Issue : 11
Month : December
Year : 2024
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