Factors Influencing Latrine Coverage among the Maasai of Ildamat Location Kajiado District

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish the demographic, social cultural, economic, environmental and policy factors influencing latrine coverage among the population of Ildamat location, Central Division, Kajiado District. The study units were heads of households aged 18-64 years. The study used systematic sampling method with a sample size of 150 households and used both quantitative and qualitative methods. Overall sanitation coverage was 28.7%. Factors influencing sanitation coverage included male gender and higher socio-economic status. While environmental factors were not statistically significant, qualitative data pointed to rocky ground as a barrier to latrine coverage. The knowledge of laws related to sanitation was significant though there were no statistical significance between role played by public health department and latrine provision despite clear gaps in public health personnel. There is need for all stakeholders to work together to improve latrine coverage in the area. At policy level the study recommends recruitment of more public health staff, creation of programs and projects that will increase family income hence a source of economic empowerment hence investment in household sanitation.

Keywords: sanitation, latrine coverage, Kajiado, public health