All theses and dissertations by bona fide master & Phd students of Meru University of Science and Technology. http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/12 2026-04-25T10:58:22Z 2026-04-25T10:58:22Z Kiplagat, Keter Gilbert http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1613 2026-04-24T10:19:08Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Assessment of Fecal Coliforms (Khat) Twigs Along the Value Chain in Igembe South Sub-County, Meru, Kenya Kiplagat, Keter Gilbert Catha edulis is a plant that is commonly used as a recreational drug in many parts of the world. Catha edulis twigs have been found to contain high levels of fecal coliforms, exceeding recommended limits for safe consumption therefore posing high risk of spreading bacterial diseases. The presence of fecal coliforms in these twigs is a concern not only for consumers but also for those involved in their production and transportion. The plant has been grown and consumed in the region around Meru for centuries. Studies have indicated the need for effective measures geared at reducing fecal coliform contamination by C. edulis . This study was therefore conducted in Meru County, Igembe South Sub-County, Kenya, between the months of September 2023 and January 2024 to assess fecal coliforms of Khat twigs at different stages of the value chain. This study involved 328 respondents drawn from the 25 locations within the sub- County. It adopted a cross-sectional descriptive study design involving one-time sampling of Khat twigs during farming, handling, vending, and consumption. Khat twigs were collected in aerated bags, processed and evaluated for the presence of fecal coliforms thereafter antibiotic sensitivity was tested at Meru University of Science and Technology Health/Biological Sciences Laboratory. Data on factors associated with the fecal coliforms contamination of C. edulis were gathered through a structured questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package of social sciences(SPSS) version 23.0. Descriptive statistics such as Frequency(n) and Percentage(%)s were used to analyze data. Inferential data were analyzed using T-test and chi square and TukeyHSD to test association. Data findings were presented in tables and graphs besides narrative descriptions. Study findings revealed that handlers had significantly higher fecal coliform contamination with mean difference=0.1162; P=.000 than vendors (mean difference=0.0994; P=.002), customers (mean difference=0.1096; P=.001) and farmers having the lowest with mean difference=0.0169; P=.000. There was a statistically significant association between gender, availability of sanitation facilities, level of education, kind of waste, water source, and water storage and fecal coliforms in Catha edulis twigs. Ceftriaxone was found to be (100%) susceptible to all bacteria tested. Ampicillin, Amoxyline and Azithromycin showed moderate effectiveness, with around 9-24% of the isolates being resistant, while Doxycycline was the second most effective drug. The study concluded that fecal coliform contamination levels varied across different stages of the supply chain, with the highest levels found in handlers and the lowest in farmers. Study findings clearly showed that the presence of fecal coliforms in khat twigs is significantly associated with the type of sanitation facility, level of education, irrigation practices, water sources, farmers' feelings, waste, water source, and water storage. The study recommends need for improved sanitation practices at all stages of the khat value chain. Promoting awareness among farmers, handlers, vendors, and customers about prudent antibiotic use can help combat antibacterial resistance.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Galmogle, Yussuf http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1612 2026-04-24T10:03:15Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of Social, Cultural, And Household Ability Factors on Adoption of Community-Led Total Sanitation (Clts) in Laisamis Sub-County, Marsabit County, Kenya Galmogle, Yussuf Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) is a behaviour change approach designed to promote sustainable and equitable access to sanitation and hygiene. Despite more than a decade of CLTS implementation in Kenya, open defecation persists, particularly in low-income and pastoralist communities. This study investigated the influence of social, cultural, and household ability factors on the implementation of CLTS in Laisamis Sub-County, Marsabit County, Kenya. A descriptive study design employing a mixed-methods approach was used. The sample comprised 393 randomly selected household heads across five wards in the sub-county, treated as strata. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data from focus group discussions were thematically analyzed and presented narratively. Findingsrevealed that natural leaders played a critical role in mobilizing communities to construct latrines following CLTS interventions (Unadjusted OR = 1.576; 95%CI: 1.245–3.476; p= 0.042). Although 63.3% of participants reported increased awareness of the health risks associated with open defecation, the practice remained prevalent. This was largely attributed to pastoralist livelihoods, where herders spent extended periods in graze lands lacking toilet facilities (Unadjusted OR = 4.094; 95% CI: 0.145–2.856; p =0.000). Cultural taboos surrounding toilet sharing between adults and children also hindered utilization (OR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.345–4.567; p = 0.002). While CLTS encouraged latrine construction, many of the facilities were poorly constructed from weak, locally available materials. Household income levels significantly influenced latrine quality, with lower-income households being 63.4% less likely to construct durable facilities. Additionally, over 90% of participants perceived human fecal matter as no more harmful than animal waste, undermining sanitation behaviour change. Gender roles further complicated implementation, with women bearing responsibility for toilet construction while men, often in the field, showed limited engagement with sanitation improvements. The study concludes that although CLTS has contributed to increased awareness and some behavioural change, its effectiveness is constrained by socio-cultural norms, economic limitations, and gendered responsibilities. To enhance outcomes, CLTS programs should be tailored to the local context and include both men and women in triggering events and behaviour change communication strategies aimed at eliminating open defecation across all environments.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Kirui, Bernard Kipkemoi http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1611 2026-04-24T09:39:34Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Evaluation of Excreta Management Across Sanitation Service Chain Using Shitflow Diagram in Kericho Town, Kenya Kirui, Bernard Kipkemoi Over half of the world's population lived in cities as of 2020, and it's expected that 70%of the global population will live in cities by 2050. Providing adequate sanitation services in urban and peri-urban areas is challenging, especially in low- and middle-income countries where poor sanitation practices can lead to the spread of diseases with high morbidity and mortality rates. Shit Flow Diagram is an innovative tool and can be used to identify bottlenecks, areas of high risk, and opportunities for improving the safety of sanitation practices along the sanitation service chain in a specific location. The study aimed to evaluate excreta management across sanitation service chain using Shit Flow Diagram (SFD) in Kericho Town, Kenya. Employing a convergent parallel mixed-method, the study gathered data through diverse methods, including desk research, documented studies, County Government records, Key Informant Interviews, household surveys, and observations. A sample size of 409 households was utilized to comprehend the Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) patterns of Kericho town, employing both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods alongside the SFD data analysis tool. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data, while simple descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data analysis. The research showed that most households used onsite sanitation technologies, specifically (66.5%) pit latrines with slabs and (13.69%)pour-flush systems. Most facilities were functional and sufficiently private, but shared toilets were in poor condition structurally and required some maintenance. The study found that despite relatively high faecal sludge containment (65%), only 54%of faecal sludge and 5% of wastewater underwent effective treatment. Operational challenges included high emptying costs, poor transport infrastructure, and limited equipment availability, all of which hindered timely and safe sludge management. Furthermore, the findings revealed that the key water quality parameters (BOD₅, COD, E. coli, and Total Coliforms) were consistently above acceptable national effluent standards by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), demonstrating inefficiencies in the local treatment facilities The study concludes that Kericho Town experiences significant sanitation service chain breakdowns, particularly at the emptying and treatment stages, resulting in 41% of excreta being unsafely managed. These challenges pose substantial risks to environmental health and hinder progress toward achieving Kenya’s Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goal 6.2, which advocates for universal access to safely managed sanitation. The study recommended local authorities, utility and stakeholders take decisive action at the infrastructure level, service delivery level, and equitable access to safe sanitation level.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Jebet, Mercy http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1610 2026-04-24T09:23:31Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Household and Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Sanitation Technology Choice in Kapseret Sub-County, Kenya Jebet, Mercy Sanitation is a fundamental determinant of public health, economic development, and social development well-being. Despite various interventions in Kenya, many households in semi-urban and rural areas continue to face challenges in accessing and adopting appropriate sanitation technologies. In Kapseret Sub-County, limited sanitation infrastructure, coupled with socio-economic and cultural barriers, has led to persistent reliance on inadequate facilities. This situation presents a critical public health concern, raising the question of how household characteristics, socio-economic status, and social factors influence the adoption of sanitation technologies. The study sought to address this problem by examining the influence of social, economic, and demographic characteristics on sanitation technology choices in Kapseret Sub-County. Specifically, the objectives were: (i) to determine the socio-economic factors that influence sanitation technology choices, (ii) to establish the role of social and cultural perceptions in sanitation decision-making, and (iii) to assess the relationship between household characteristics and the adoption of sanitation technologies. By doing so, the study aimed to generate insights that could inform policies and interventions tailored to improve public health outcomes in the region. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour, which highlights the role of attitudes, social norms, and perceived behavioural control in shaping decisions, the study adopted a descriptive research design. A sample of 475 households was drawn from a total population of 59,746 using Mugenda and Mugenda’s (2003) formula. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26 through descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, and ANOVA tests. Findings revealed a concerning sanitation situation in Kapseret Sub-County, where over half of households (53.7%) lacked access to reliable sanitation facilities. Household income levels and the cost of installation and maintenance were the most influential factors in technology choice. Social norms, particularly community perceptions (mean = 3.16), traditional customs, and gender roles, significantly shaped adoption decisions, while education (mean = 3.12) exerted a more moderate influence. ANOVA results confirmed a statistically significant relationship between socio-economic characteristics and sanitation choices (F = 10.666, p = 0.001). The study concludes that sanitation interventions must be culturally sensitive, socially inclusive, and education-driven. It recommends a multifaceted approach that integrates financial support, targeted education, and environmentally sustainable solutions to accelerate the adoption of sanitation technologies. Such strategies are essential to enhance public health and promote sustainable community development in Kapseret Sub-County and similar contexts.

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