Leveraging digital technologies for transitions to clean and safe water : a case study of Kibera informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract: Inadequate water infrastructural development and high costs of water are few of the many challenges that affect water access in Kibera. Consequently, many alternatives to piped water grew out of necessity to meet the needs of residents. The aim of this thesis is to examine the conditions that have led to poor water provision in Kibera and how transitions to improved water access can be achieved by looking at technologies such as M-maji that seek to improve water access. This thesis seeks to answer, one, how can Kibera achieve a transition towards improved water access? And two, how do users of M-maji perceive this technology for their water needs? The findings of the thesis were analysed using theoretical constructs from transition theory and political ecology. A qualitative case study was carried out in which 26 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Findings from the data indicate that governance failure contributed to the challenges of water access in Kibera, socio-political dynamics that prevented extension of services to residents, and disincentives for households to connect to infrastructure such as high connection fees. Additionally, integration of household technologies like M-maji can contribute to improved water access and ultimately, that different technologies can coexist to achieve transitions to improved water access.