Tracking the flow of excreta across the sanitation service chain using a Shit Flow Diagram (Kenya)

As the world’s population continue to grow, cities increasingly bear the burden of faecal sludge management. In order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal agenda 6.2, untreated faecal sludge (FS) need to be captured, contained, transported, treated and reused or disposed of hygienically and safely. To track the flow of excreta in Nkubu town, Meru, Kenya, the existing sanitation systems were assessed, the proportion of safely managed FS was examined and the challenges facing service delivery were assessed. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was employed. The SuSanA shit flow diagram (SFD) tool was used for data analysis and to generate the SFD graphic. The study found out that due to lack of a treatment plant, the only systems available for the town were onsite systems. Pit latrines were the most prominent containment technologies used. High service and license fees required for emptying and transportation, and a high-water table in the area were the major hindrances to the delivery of sanitation services. It was concluded that a high percentage of FS was unsafely managed which posed a risk to the health of the residents and the quality of water sources. The study recommended provision of an offsite sanitation system and decentralization of treatment and disposal.