Integration of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Sustainable Water Service Provision: Evidence from Mandera County, Kenya

The Kenya National Water Policy 2021 was designed to ensure sustainable water resource management and equitable access to clean water. However, key gaps exist in its implementation in Mandera County, where water scarcity remains a persistent challenge. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess the effect of climate change integration on the provision of water services in Mandera County. The study was underpinned by Institutional Theory. The study was informed by pragmatism philosophy and employing a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised 535 participants drawn from various key stakeholders in Mandera County, including the Water Resources Authority, Mandera Office, Mandera County Companies, community leaders, representatives from the Non- Governmental Organization, County Government of Mandera Water Department, and the National Drought Management Authority. The researcher used Slovin’s formula to obtain a sample size of 229 respondents. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistical methods in analysis. The findings were presented on tables. The findings revealed a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.541, implying that 54.1% of the change in the provision of water services in Mandera County is attributed to climate change integration strategies. Regression analysis results showed that climate change integration (β = 0.336, p = 0.000) had statistically significant positive effect on service delivery. The study concludes that effective water service delivery in arid regions like Mandera County depends on coordinated efforts across environmental, infrastructural, and climate-focused interventions. In view of the findings, the study recommends that county governments, water sector agencies, and development partners should consider inclusive, climate-resilient planning in water infrastructure. Keywords: Climate Change Integration, Sustainable Water Service Provision, Institutional Theory, Climate-Resilient Planning, Mandera County.