Community Participation as a Moderator of Household Socio-Economic Traits and Sustainability of Muhuru Community Water Project in Rural Kenya

Aim: Sustainability of rural water infrastructure in fragile contexts hinges not only on technical design but also on household-level socio-economic dynamics and participatory governance. This study aimed to examine how perceived community participation moderates the relationship between household socio-economic characteristics and sustainability outcomes in the Muhuru Community Water Project, located in Migori County, Kenya. Methods: Employing a descriptive survey and mixed-methods design, the research sampled 354 households across eight villages using stratified random sampling, complemented by purposive selection of 25 key informants and 45 focus group participants. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, with tools validated via expert review and pilot testing. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and logistic regression models, while qualitative data were thematically analysed to provide contextual insights. Qualitative data were thematically analysed to enrich interpretation. Results: Key findings revealed that household education (OR = 1.24, p < 0.001) and income (OR = 6.493, p < 0.05) significantly predicted sustainability outcomes, while perceived importance of participation (OR = 3.16, p < 0.001) and community collaboration (OR = 1.91, p < 0.011) emerged as critical moderating factors. Management effectiveness was the strongest determinant (OR = 65.25, p < 0.001), while general participation and external support showed limited statistical significance. Conclusion: The study concludes that sustainability is primarily shaped by household agency, socio-economic capacity, and trust in governance rather than infrastructure alone. Recommendation: It recommends adopting governance models that reflect household realities, tailoring participation strategies to different community groups and strengthening local management systems. These findings offer actionable insights for policymakers, donors, and practitioners seeking to enhance rural water sustainability in arid and semi-arid regions.