Development control and standards in decentralized Sanitation systems in Karengata and Ongata Rongai, Kenya
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Date
2023
Authors
Kiama, Philip Mbugua
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Sanitation and hygiene promotion is an integral part of national development strategy. Everyone is entitled to adequate, safe, accessible, and non-discriminatory sanitation as enhanced in the 2010 Kenyan Constitution. The research employed the use of general system theory in sanitation services delivery chain, which requires the participation of various stakeholders or players in a framework for wastewater management. This is achieved through sanitation systems that are compliant to sanitation standards contained in development controls. This research was conducted in Karengata and Ongata Rongai, which are peri-urban areas that have undergone rapid urbanisation and population growth. The main objective of the research was to establish the existence of sanitation standards in development control mechanisms and their relationship to installation and management of decentralised sanitation systems and their compliance. The specific objectives were to: assess sanitation standards governing decentralised sanitation systems, examine the types of decentralised sanitation systems in use, evaluate compliance of decentralised sanitation systems to sanitation standards, and effects of compliance on the environment in Karengata and Ongata Rongai areas. The research used a descriptive survey research design with a sample size of 400 households. Eight zones were sampled using spatial stratified systematic random sampling. The tools used for collection of data include household questionnaire, global positioning systems, digital distance measuring instrument, Olfactometer, observation, and desktop research. Statistical Packages for Social Science software was used to run descriptive statistics and produce frequency distribution, and percentages. Data from observational methods were in the study results as graphs and photographs. Inferential statistics such as t-test and analysis of variance were used to determine associations between variable and its significance. Sanitation systems in Karengata and Ongata Rongai were septic tanks at 75% and 50% respectively and pit latrines at 24% and 50% respectively. The most preferred type of pit latrine was with slab at 20% in Karengata and 34% in Ongata Rongai. On the other hand, for septic tank systems, those without Soakaway facilities were dominant with 57% in Karengata and 72% in Ongata Rongai. Compliance to sanitation standards showed variance between Karengata and Ongata Rongai. The sanitation standards in both areas were not compliant (p=0.0019<1.96), which confirm the null hypothesis. Standards on separation distance of sanitation facility from boundary showed significance in pit latrine (p=0.003<0.05) and no significance in septic tank (p=0.180>0.05). Based on the research findings, the study recommends establishment of a central institution governing sanitation at National and County levels, which will be responsible for coordination, regulation, monitoring and enforcement of sanitation development control policies and regulations. In addition, the public should be sensitized on sanitation standards to enhance compliance and adoption of safe sanitation systems.
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfilment for the award of the degree of doctor of philosophy in environmental planning and management in the school of engineering and architecture, Kenyatta University, April, 2023
Keywords
Sanitation systems, Karengata, Ongata Rongai, Kenya