UNDERSTANDING WATER CONFLICTS IN RIVER RONGAI CATCHMENT: NATURE, PATTERNS, EXTENT AND THE ROLE OF SURFACE WATER VARIABILITY
Department of Natural Resources, Faculty of Environment and Resources Development, Egerton University, P.O. BOX 536- 20115, Egerton, Kenya.
* Corresponding Author
ORCID Details
Beryl Adhiambo: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5173-9506
Gilbert Obwoyere: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5026-6331
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Science and Technology, 2026, 18(01), 161–171.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjst.2026.18.1.0097
Publication history:
Received on 03 September 2026; revised on 11 October 2026; accepted on 13 October 2026
Abstract:
Globally, freshwater scarcity has emerged as one of the greatest environmental and development challenges of the twenty-first century. This study sought to understand the nature, patterns and extend of water conflicts and the influence of surface water variability on water related conflicts in River Rongai Catchment. A cross- sectional study was conducted where primary data were obtained using structured questionnaires, Focus Group Discussion and Key Informant interviews. Proportionate stratified sampling technique before a simple random sampling was employed to select respondents from the Upper, middle and lower catchment areas. Most of the respondents perceived unequal water distribution as a major cause of water conflicts. Findings from respondents across the three study locations indicated that water conflicts intensify during the dry season when reduced surface water availability is insufficient to meet the increasing demand for freshwater within the catchment. Additionally, the discussions from the FGDs further revealed that serious cases of water conflict are commonly experienced between January and March, which corresponds with a period of low streamflow in the catchment. Pearson correlation analysis between seasonal surface water variability and water conflicts occurrence revealed a very weak positive relationship (r = 0.011, p = 0.916) which was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). The study recommends that other factors influencing water access in the catchment should be considered for sustainable water management. The community should adopt an integrated method of conflict management rather by looking beyond the seasonal variations of the river. Community awareness on water policies and should be strengthened in River Rongai catchment.
Keywords:
Water, Surface Water Variability, Nature, Extent, Pattern, Community Awareness
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