FSM practices and performance of sanitation services in Marsabit Town (Kenya)

Faecal waste management entails all activities for the adequate storage, collection, transport, treatment, and safe end use or disposal of faecal sludge. Safe faecal waste management can reduce transmission of pathogens from one source to the other through various transmission routes. Marsabit County has increased mortality rates especially for children under five years, occurring daily due to lack of adequate sanitation. This research explored the faecal waste management practices among institutions and households across sanitation service chain in Marsabit town, Kenya. Descriptive cross-sectional study design adopting mixed method was used and the study targeted a sample size of 612 households and 23 institution heads sampled from nine (9) Zones. Data collection was through observation, focus group discussion and surveys. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. About 64.9% of the population practiced open defecation. Few residents reported using pit latrines with slabs at 31.86% (n=195) and only 24.02% (n=147) used ventilated improved pit latrines while 3.27% (n=20) reported absence of toilet facility. Approximately 92% of faecal waste was unsafely managed, with high possibility of contaminating environment and water bodies during rainy seasons through water run-off. Location of toilets and position while executing urges differed from person to person and was culture-dependent. Approximately 81 %( n=495) respondents reported squatting during defecation as a common preferred position during toilet use. Sitting position remain at 19% (n=117). Majority of the community members were washers at 77.6% (n=475) while others were wipers at 22.4% (n=137). Approximately 70% (n=429) responded abandoning their latrine once they got filled up. The identified zones lacked treatment technologies for faecal waste. The study concluded that faecal waste management practices were below standard. Marsabit County Government requires proper alternative sanitation options and health education and awareness creation initiatives for improved sanitation practices in the area. The community and zonal regions of Marsabit town should embrace safe waste disposal practices and strategize on community engagement for increased ownership and acceptability of solutions. The sanitation providers should identify the viable long-lasting solutions to waste management that most suit the area.