Abstract:
Water is essential for the survival of all human
beings. However, in Kenya access to safe drinking
water and sanitation facilities is limited: an
estimated 41% of the population relies on unprotected
wells, springs or informal water providers
(WHO & UNICEF, Progress on Sanitation and
Drinking-Water, 2010) while 69% do not have access
to safe and hygienic toilets or latrines. Types
of water uses vary, based on the individual customs
of communities: while all communities need
water for drinking, cooking, hygiene, agriculture
and livestock, some communities also use it for
religious ceremonies. The importance of water
and its primacy for many cultures has prompted
debates on recognising the right to water as a
self-standing and independent human right.
