Evaluation of excreta management across the sanitation service chain using a Shit Flow Diagram in Kericho Town (Kenya)

Providing adequate sanitation services in urban and peri-urban areas is challenging, especially in low-income countries where poor sanitation practices lead to the spread of diseases with high mortality rates. The study was carried out in Kericho town, Kenya. The old dilapidated sewer system and poor access to adequate sanitation facilities have led to a significant sanitation challenge in the area. The study aimed to identify sanitation system technologies in use, estimate the proportions of excreta that were safely or unsafely managed, and develop a Shit Flow Diagram (SFD). Employing a descriptive survey research design and a sample size of 409 households, the study gathered data through desk research, documented studies, county government records, key informant interviews, household surveys, and observations. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed alongside the SFD data analysis tool. The findings revealed that 66.5% of the population relied on pit latrines with slabs, 13.69% used pour/manual flush systems, 11.49% had ventilated improved pit latrines, 8.07% used automatic cistern flush, and 0.24% practiced open defecation. Additionally, the study identified that only 59% of excreta was adequately managed, whereas 41% was not safely managed. The trend in Faecal Sludge Management posed potential health hazards. There is need to rehabilitate the existing wastewater treatment plant and adhere to set water quality standards to ensure the safe disposal of treated wastewater. Strengthening regulatory frameworks and enhancing monitoring and enforcement mechanisms are necessary to prevent the illegal discharge of wastewater into the environment.