Master's - Theses

Factors Influencing Adoption of Sanitation Systems in Rural Communities: Case of Tharaka-North Subcounty, Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Factors Influencing Adoption of Sanitation Systems in Rural Communities: Case of Tharaka-North Subcounty, Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya Mugendi, Edwin Muthoni The purpose of the study was to evaluate the variables impacting the adoption of sanitation systems in rural communities of Tharaka-North Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. The study's objectives were to assess how social-cultural factors, economic factors and sanitation technologies affect the adoption of sanitation systems. A convergent mixed methods design was used in the study, which collected both qualitative and quantitative data at the same time. 13 participants in a focus group who were purposely selected were used to provide qualitative data through the use of an interview guide. In order to determine the link between the variables, the quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 which produced descriptive and inferential statistics. According to the findings, 86% of the inhabitants used pit latrines , some of which lacked slabs and roofs. Additionally, 15% of the households defecated in public, 17% had salaried jobs , and 10% had no jobs. The household income influenced adoption of sanitation systems with a mean of 4.9271 while employment status influenced adoption of sanitation systems with a mean of 4.1146. This economic disparity impacted sanitation access with only 9% of the respondents able to afford ventilated improved pit latrines. The target population of the study was 58,345 people. The sample size was 388 household heads. Cluster sampling, simple random and proportionate random sampling were the sampling techniques employed in the study. Appropriate confirmation of data collection instruments was conducted by characteristics qualified experts before data collection took place. A reliability test using Cronbach’s alpha was carried to ascertain whether that data set was fit for analysis within the acceptable threshold. According to the findings, Public Health Officers should train masons to promote acceptable sanitation technology designs for usage in rural communities. Gender inequality should be taken into account while developing sanitation systems regulations. In public and health practices, the Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) strategy should focus on open defecation and encourage locals to embrace appropriately designed sanitation facilities, systems and technologies. The study also recommends the need to educate each other on the need to educate each other on the need for the adoption of improved sanitation technologies such septic tanks to increase awareness of safe sanitation systems and adaptability.

Influence of Social, Environmental and Technological Factors on Management of Faecal Matter in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas: A Case of Isiolo Sub-County, Kenya

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of Social, Environmental and Technological Factors on Management of Faecal Matter in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas: A Case of Isiolo Sub-County, Kenya Muthuri, Julius Kirimi Access to safe and adequate sanitation remains a significant challenge in arid and semi-arid areas. To address this issue, onsite sanitation facilities have gained global acceptance, where financial constraints often hinder the installation of conventional centralized systems. However, studies have observed that faecal matter accumulating in these technologies is usually poorly managed, posing risks to public and environmental health and leading to adverse economic and social effects. The study investigated the influence of social, environmental, and technological factors on the management of faecal matter in Isiolo Sub County. A convergent mixed methods design was used to obtain quantitative data using structured questionnaires and qualitative data from two focus group discussions. Stratified and proportionate random sampling techniques were used to select households, while purposive sampling was applied for informants. Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26.0 for descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. Logistic regression was computed in univariable and multivariable analysis to determine the relationship between predictors and dependent variables, and results were presented as an odds ratio with 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented in narratives. From the findings, the pit latrine was most commonly used at 77.1%, and about 46.5% of the resulting excreta was poorly managed. The study established social factors such as secondary education (AOR = 4.085, p < .001); gender roles (AOR = 0.518, p = 0.028), knowledge of safe disposal (AOR = 22.50, p < .001), and social norms (AOR = 0.347, p = .001) to have a significant influence on the management of faecal matter. Environmental factors such as rainfall (AOR= 0.825, p = 0.0315), space availability (AOR = 0.89, p = .036), and land use (AOR=1.012, p=0.013), along with technological aspects like sustainable toilet (AOR= 1.398, p=0.036); latrine accessibility (AOR= 0.783, p=0.05); local resources (AOR = 1.488, p = 0.009) were also statistically associated with effective faecal matter management. The study concludes that social, environmental, and technological interaction influences faecal matter management in arid and semi-arid areas. The study recommends that policy makers and sanitation stakeholders, such as the county Government, promote public education and community awareness, promote resilient and lined sanitation technology, strengthen local capabilities through intra-community skilled labour training, and incorporate land experimentation with usability into infrastructure development. To promote sustainable and inclusive faecal matter management, it is vital that sanitation policies across the affected realms can adapt accordingly to context, particularly in disadvantaged arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL)

Influence of Social, Cultural and Environmental Factors on Public Perception Towards Sewerage Treatment Plants in Meru County, Kenya

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of Social, Cultural and Environmental Factors on Public Perception Towards Sewerage Treatment Plants in Meru County, Kenya Kimathi, Raphael Kinoti Effective wastewater management is essential for nature conservation and promotion of health. Although Government efforts in supporting establishment of wastewater treatment plants have been shown, the projects are at times rejected by the community leading to wastage of resources, unsolved sewage disposal problems, and the spread of diseases emanating from poor sewage management. The study examined the influence of social, cultural and environmental factors on public perception toward sewerage treatment plants in Meru County, Kenya, whose solutions have often been facing rejection from the communities. The study targeted residents around Rwanyange, Gakoromone and Maua sewerage treatment plants in the County. Mixed methods approach was used with a convergent study design. A sample of 394 household heads was targeted. Cluster and simple random sampling techniques were used in selection of the areas and household heads respectively. Quantitative data was collected from households using structured questionnaires and analysed in descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Qualitative data was obtained from focus group discussions, analysed in NVIVO software and presented in narratives. Increased literacy level among communities increased the likelihood of positive perception by1.09asresidents would understand thus appreciate the roles played by the treatment plants (adjusted OR=1.09, 95% CI: 0.52-3.45, P=0.008). Perception varied with age with people aged>50years being 2.78 times more likely to exhibit positive perception towards the treatment plants compared to those aged 18-28 years (P<0.05). Community participation was key and its presence or absence determined residents’ perception (adjusted OR=5.95, 95%CI: 1.29-5.24, P=0.002) as it predicted acceptability and ownership of the solutions provided. Results also suggested that existence of taboos surrounding mixing of human faecal matter which affected communities’ openness to new ideas reduced the likelihood of positive perception towards the treatment plants by 34% (adjusted OR=0.66, 95% CI: 1.13-9.78, P=0.001). Women’s perception was likely to be more positive than for men, attributable to the fact that they bore the basic responsibility of sanitation and hygiene and care giving roles and availability of sanitation solutions would mitigate health risks for them and their children. Participants especially those who resided very near the treatment plants were also concerned of the odour that resulted from the plants and the impacts of the plants on soil contamination (adjusted OR= 0.75, 95% CI: 0.86-3.06, P<0.001). Public notion on the possibility of the treatment plants to result in underground seepage and concerns on the quality of air due to pollution significantly lowered perception by 52% and 60% respectively (P<0.05). The study concluded that public perception towards the treatment plants was affected by the interconnection of social, cultural and environmental factors. The study recommends a two-sided bottom-up approach of community involvement in all implementation stages of sanitation projects for increased acceptance, ownership and trust of solutions by beneficiaries. There is also need for reconnaissance studies that focus on understanding cultural issues for provision of context-specific sustainable solutions. Besides, policies that substantiate environmental awareness are critical for sustainable solutions.

Assessment of Women Participation In Sanitation in Low-Income Rural Area Sigoji East, Abogeta East and Mitunguu Wards In South Iment ISub-County in Meru County, Kenya

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Assessment of Women Participation In Sanitation in Low-Income Rural Area Sigoji East, Abogeta East and Mitunguu Wards In South Iment ISub-County in Meru County, Kenya Kinanu, Hydah Public participation is extensively recognized as essential for the success of sanitation and water projects in rural areas of developing countries. Women, being the primary users of water schemes in these areas, hold valuable insights into how water and sanitation management can be improved. In recent years, the focus on women's participation in sanitation in South Imenti has gained significant attention. Despite this, evidence shows that women have been lagging behind in their involvement in sanitation activities over the past decade. The study aimed to investigate how knowledge of sanitation is influenced by gender, evaluate the determinants of women's participation in sanitation development and governance, and assess the challenges hindering their involvement. The research was voluntary, utilizing structured questionnaires and in depth interviews for data collection. Purposive sampling was employed to select three wards (Igoji East, Abogeta East, and Mitunguu) within South Imenti sub-county, with a sample size of 384 determined using Yamane's formula. Simple random sampling was used to select households in these wards. Data collection took place from December 2021 to March 2022, with a response rate of 78% from respondents aged 18 years and above. Data analysis involved the Pearson Chi-Square test to examine the relationship between gender and knowledge of sanitation. The results revealed a significant association between these variables, with a p-value of 0.001 indicating that the observed association was unlikely to have occurred by chance. The findings showed that 54.9% of women had very little knowledge about sanitation, while 45.1% had some level of knowledge. Additionally, 49.5% of respondents disagreed that women were participating in sanitation activities, and only 16.3% agreed that women were involved, despite their primary role as sanitation attendants at the household level. Women's contributions to community sanitation activities were minimal and often overlooked. The study highlighted various roles played by men and women in sanitation groups. Men were typically responsible for decision-making, chairing meetings, mobilizing funds, providing labor during construction, coordinating projects, organizing donor visits, and contributing funds. They were also key actors during elections. Conversely, women were mainly involved in domestic chores such as cooking for constructors, cleaning sanitation facilities, entertaining guests during meetings, and leading prayers. Women were excluded from policy and decision-making processes related to sanitation projects, often due to entrenched community beliefs, practices, and norms. Several factors influenced women's participation in sanitation, including financial rewards, sources of income, influence from leaders, and fear of consequences. Challenges hindering their involvement included tight schedules, age disparities, low literacy levels, and lack of registration fees. Cultural practices and busy schedules further restricted women's rights and freedoms in leadership and management roles. The study recommended promoting girls' and women's education to empower them to take on leadership and managerial positions, discouraging outdated cultural practices, implementing the 2/3 gender rule in sanitation, and encouraging women's empowerment through training in sanitation technologies. Both men and women should be included in community sanitation projects to achieve the sector's goals and meet sanitation targets. This research provides valuable insights into women's participation in sanitation, contributes to the literature, and offers a greater understanding of women's roles in sanitation. It aims to reduce potential gender discrimination and promote effective policy implementation