Implementation of sanitation policy guidelines in primary schools (Kenya)

The objective of the study was to establish the factors influencing the implementation of sanitation policy guidelines as stated in the Kenya School Health Policy and the Safety Standards Manual for schools on the sanitation facilities in the public primary schools in Meru County which is in a rural-urban setting. The study aimed at ascertaining whether the student toilet ratio, status of awareness on sanitation issues, environmental sanitation, and regular inspection of the primary schools on the implementation of sanitation guidelines. To achieve its objectives, the study adopted a descriptive survey design. A sample of 159 schools was selected from a total of 773 primary schools in Meru County using simple random sampling. The study revealed that 75% of the schools visited had pit latrines and 90% of the schools had hand washing stations with water for the process, 12% of the latrines which were visited seemed to have faaecal matter on the surface. 9% had no separate toilets compromising privacy, discomfort, and security issues for girls. 46.7% of stakeholders are not aware of the policies. Through observation, it was evident that 93% of the schools visited had clean environments which were free from litter. The study concluded that sanitation structures in the schools need to be cleaned regularly by a staff employed to do so. The study recommended for similar studies to be done in other counties.