Water Supply And Livelihoods Of Pastoralists In Kajiado County, Kenya
International Academic Journal of Arts and Humanities
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Abstract: This study investigates how access to water influences pastoralist livelihoods in Kajiado County, a region frequently affected by drought. Using surveys and interviews with local actors?county officials, NGOs, and community leaders?the research evaluates interventions such as boreholes, water pans, tanks, and dams. It finds that improved water infrastructure reduces time spent fetching water, improves livestock productivity, and enhances food and nutrition security. Water access also enables better educational outcomes and economic opportunities, especially for women and children. However, technical failures, seasonal shortages, and management gaps threaten sustainability. Applying the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF), the study recommends community-driven maintenance systems, integration of drought forecasting, and policy reform for equitable water resource governance. It presents detailed analysis of socio-economic gains achieved through resilience-building water projects in ASAL settings.