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The 2023 study found that none of the five water infrastructure investments in Garissa County were fully functional, with three partially functional and two non-functional. The primary drivers of failure were a lack of dedicated budgets for operations and maintenance (O&M), capacity gaps in local management, and limited early engagement with water institutions. The report recommends establishing sustainable financing mechanisms, integrating renewable energy to lower costs, and strengthening the technical and project management skills of local site committees.

The 2023 study found that only two of nine assessed water investments were fully functional, with many others limited by inadequate maintenance, vandalism, and resource-based conflicts. While community-led planning and local knowledge improved sustainability, the report highlights a need for dedicated maintenance financing, better technical siting, and genuine gender inclusivity in management committees.

A 2023 study of 12 water infrastructure investments in Kitui County, Kenya, found that 59% were functional or partially functional, while 16% were non-functional due to lack of maintenance. The report highlights that most investments failed to provide adequate water during dry seasons and suffered from insufficient funding for operations and maintenance. While local knowledge was integrated into planning via Ward Climate Change Planning Committees, the study recommends better integration of hydrogeological data, landscape restoration, and institutionalised project audits to ensure long-term sustainability.

A 2023 study of 13 water infrastructure projects in Makueni County, Kenya, found that most remain functional seven years after implementation. The success of these locally-led adaptation investments is attributed to the integration of local knowledge with technical data and strong partnerships between the county government and communities. While the projects have improved water access and increased agricultural incomes, challenges remain regarding siltation, funding for major repairs, and the need for green energy transitions to reduce production costs.

The longitudinal study evaluates water projects in Kenya's ASAL regions, finding a decline in functionality from 2019 to 2023, while highlighting the benefits of community-led investment and the critical need for dedicated operations and maintenance funding.