Factors influencing sanitation of water-closet toilet projects in eateries in Kenya: a case of Meru town, Meru County

Abstract

Factors resulting to inadequate sanitation, such as lack of or improper sanitary water closet systems have been found to be a major problem in the world. Inadequate sanitary utilization of water-closet toilets projects has for decades been a unique and important contributor to poor health and environmental degradation in different settings in the world, including the settings where majority of Kenyans consume food and beverages. This study was set to investigate factors influencing sanitation of water-closet toilet projects in eateries in Kenya, a case of Meru town, Meru County. The objectives of the study were to establish how adequacy of water-closet toilet projects in eateries influence sanitation, to determine how level of proper utilization of water-closet toilet projects in eateries influence sanitation and to establish how sewerage connectivity of water-closet toilet projects in eateries influence sanitation. The study adopted a descriptive survey as the research study. Sampling technique used was the non-probability convenience sampling. The study focused on 382 respondents in 121 eateries in Meru town. Data was collected using structured observation checklists which focused on customers whereas interviews of key informants focused on staff from the eateries. Data analysis took place with the help of a statistician via Statistical Package of Social Sciences using descriptive, inferential statistics. The results were presented in tables and figures. The results of the study established that majority of water-closet toilet users are the young people aged between 20-30 years of age whose practice of hand washing and flushing is below average. Majority of eateries have adopted new technology that is required to construct and maintain water-closet toilet systems yet less than half have complete systems available for ensuring proper hand washing and flushing practise as well as sufficient separation and disposal of human excreta. The study established that behaviour and self-efficacy that directly affect utilisation of water-closet toilet systems including frequency of cleaning of the water-closet toilet systems with regard to sanitation was quite low which greatly contributed to high levels of bad odour and flies nuisance. Furthermore, majority of respondents were aware of the importance of personal hygiene and sanitation as well as health risks associated with this yet majority are not putting the necessary sanitation practises into action. Blockage of sewerage connections mainly results due to lack of flushing after use, blockage by sanitary pads, papers and other inappropriate materials use anal cleansing. Challenges experienced due to this are mainly high cost of repairs and maintenance, nuisance caused by flies and odour and water-borne diseases as well as loss of revenue due to closure of eateries by public health personnel. Cost related factors were the highest hindrance to adherence to policies and procedures. Suggested improvements by respondents included the need for interventions by the County government including subsidize legal and County policies which would guarantee that these projects meet the expected health standards and hence meet the needs of the intended beneficiaries. The study recommended that beneficiaries should adopt an attitude and practice that ensures proper their proper usage hence guarantee high sanitation standards in eateries. It also recommended that self-efficacy and motivation are key factors in ensuring behaviour change. That ownership as well as participation, co-ordination and collaboration with stakeholders are necessary to facilitate the required improvement, and that partnerships with stakeholders from the relevant backgrounds including health and legal fraternity in conjunction with the government can be relied upon to assist in water-closet project success in facilitating sanitary performance.