Knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with access to sanitation in open public places – a case of Nairobi (Kenya)

Improving the uptake of existing sanitation facilities in Nairobi CBD requires a change in behavioural practices of the population. This study analysed knowledge, attitudes and practices associated with sanitation access in open public spaces in Nairobi city. The study objectives were to identify knowledge gaps associated with access to public sanitation in Nairobi city as there is a significant lack of knowledge on the importance of proper hygiene. It also assessed the attitudes, habits and behaviour associated with access to public sanitation and determining sanitation practices among women of Nairobi central business district as social stigma and cultural beliefs could discourage the use of public toilets. A descriptive quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed to obtain data from the participants. Data was collected using structured open-ended questionnaires, interviews and spot checks and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29. The findings indicated that many respondents (76.5%) agreed that sanitation was very important with 89.3% confirming to have used public toilets in the city. Daily use was low at 6.7% with 89.3% indicating that the facilities were inadequate leading to open defecation and environmental degradation. Accessibility was the most influencing factor for use of sanitation facilities even though a majority (39.3%) were dissatisfied with the conditions of the public toilets depicting the perception that public toilets were unhygienic and unsafe. The study recommends the need for proper maintenance of existing sanitation facilities to improve on accessibility and the quality of service delivery coupled with targeted educational campaigns on sanitation and hygiene.