Factors affecting implementation of sanitation projects in Kenyan slums: a study of Mukuru Kayaba slums in Nairobi County

Abstract

The unprecedented urbanization of Nairobi has led to severe pressure on Social amenities of the city especially sanitation. Urban poor are the worst sufferers as most poor households especially in slum areas have to make alternative solutions to waste disposal. This study focused on factors that affect implementation of sanitation projects in Mukuru Kayaba slums in Nairobi, concentrating on how Availability of funds, Personnel expertise and Community involvement affect implementation of the sanitation projects. There is not much literature on the specific challenges that affect Mukuru Kayaba slums in Nairobi. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to fill this gap in knowledge by examining specific factors affecting the implementation of sanitation projects.

The study was carried out in Mukuru Kayaba slums in Makadara constituency Nairobi County. This area of study was selected because the researcher is familiar with the geographical settings and could access the respondents with ease. Descriptive survey design utilizing both qualitative and quantitative approaches was used. The research instruments used were questionnaires, designed to gather objective data and interviews. The collected data was thoroughly examined and checked for correctness and comprehensibility.

The data was then summarized and tabulated and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). From the results, it was concluded that there is a positive correlation between project implementation and government policies, availability of funds, personnel expertise, and stakeholder involvement. And that these factors strongly affect the success of the sanitation projects in Mukuru Kayaba slums.

The study recommends that all the stakeholders have the potential to improve the process of implementation of sanitation projects despite the limiting factors. This can be done by increasing funding by donors and the government, the government coming up with laws that favor improved development of slums. Personnel expertise should be employed in conducting research on the area where the project is to be implemented thereby reducing the incidences of factors that could prevent the toilet users from effectively using them, and the community should also be fully involved m implementation process.