Title:
Analysis of the Water Supply and Demand Balance at the Mua Hills Settlement, Machakos County, Kenya.

Authors:
Loise Kitulu, Silas Muketha, Mwangi Maringa, Kenya

Abstract:

Over the years, population growth has surged, putting increased pressure on the already limited water resources. This study focused on assessing whether the current water supply in Mua Hill Settlement, located in Machakos County, Kenya, is sufficient to meet the demand. The research aimed to suggest methods for evaluating the adequacy and efficiency of the water infrastructure in place. It was grounded in theories related to evaporation and transpiration, as well as natural resource management. Additionally, it examined two key concepts: sustainability in rural water supply and the Internet of Water Things. The study utilized social and descriptive survey designs, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative approaches through purposive, stratified, cluster, and random sampling techniques. The study findings revealed that as of 2024, the water demand in Mua Hills exceeded the available supply of 8.7 m³/day. This aligns with the postulations of Sophocleous (2004) and An et al. (2021), that factors such as population growth, economic development, technological progress, land use changes, urbanization, environmental degradation, government policies, and climate change all influence local water demand. The research highlighted that Mua's rapidly growing population has resulted in significant conversion of agricultural land into residential areas, deforestation that is occasioned by the demand for construction materials, and a lack of government initiatives to maintain or upgrade the existing water system. The study recommended conducting regular mapping,  monitoring, and evaluation of water projects in relation to population dynamics and land use every 3 to 5 years, to inform desirable remedial interventions.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.51505/ijaemr.2025.1009