http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1458 2026-04-23T14:50:05Z http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1605 Evaluating the Effectiveness of Activated and Inactivated Sugarcane Biochar in Physicochemical Purification of Greywater Mugambi, Victor The study investigated the effectiveness of sugarcane waste biochar as a sustainable material for purifying greywater to address environmental pollution and enhance water recycling. Biochar was produced by heating sugarcane waste at 500°C, with half of it activated using potassium hydroxide to enhance adsorption. X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the biochar structure. The structure showed the presence of amorphous carbon with C-H, C-O and COOH functional groups. Greywater samples obtained from the kitchen, bathroom and carwash were purified by filtering 100 mL of samples through 10 g of biochar for 5 minutes. The activated and inactivated biochar achieved 92-96%and80-87% removal efficiency of lead (II) ions, respectively. Chromium(VI) ions removal ranged from 84-92% and 82-86% with activated and inactivated biochar, respectively. Activated biochar removed 76-77% of oil and grease compared to 51-57%forinactivated biochar. Both biochar increased the pH levels, with activated biochar causing a more rise by 63-73%. Total suspended solids removal efficiencies were 21-34%and40-54% in inactivated and activated biochar, respectively. Slight decrease in sodium dodecyl sulphate detergent, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids was observed for both biochars. There was a significant difference between the purification efficiency of inactivated and activated biochar shown by the |t| statistic values, which were above t4 critical value of 2.78 (P = 0.05). Based on the study findings, activated sugarcane biochar was reliable for greywater treatment, especially the removal of heavy metal pollutants, oil, and grease. The study recommends further pilot-scale applications and field testing to validate its long-term performance and integration into decentralized wastewater management systems. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1604 Political Economy Analysis for Sanitation Delivery in Informal Settlements: A Case Study of Mukuru Kwa Reuben, Kenya Cheruiyot, Erick Kiprono The Sustainable Development Goals agenda 6.2 aims to increase access to equitable and adequate sanitation by 2030. However, sewer systems serve only 17 %of the Sub-Saharan African population in informal settlements. Possible interventions and options to address sanitation issues in informal settlements have been advanced through research. However, upscaling and improving fecal sludge management in slums has been a challenge because of overpopulation, land tenancy issues, complex roles of stakeholders, and technical and political constraints. This study examined the political economy of sanitation delivery in Mukuru Kwa Reuben, focusing on technologies used, the role of actors, and policy–practicegaps. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, data were collected from152participants—100 household heads via cluster random and simple random sampling, and52stakeholders through purposive and snowballing techniques. Quantitative data were analyzed in SPSS and qualitative data in NVivo. Reliability of instruments was moderate (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.62). Findings showed that the type of toilet and construction/installation processes significantly influenced accessibility, affordability, and availability. Costs of installation, emptying, and sludge transport were major barriers, with landlords citing high sewer connection fees (KSh 5000). It was observed that the operation of sanitation systems was constrained by the presence of cartels that controlled water provision. Despite the devolution of sanitation functions, the County Government was perceived as unwilling to service loans for sanitation infrastructure. Manual sludge operators faced poor pay, while water cartels and limited county support further constrained services. Policy gaps included weak enforcement, partial devolution, inadequate partnerships, and informal service delivery. The study concludes that governance of sanitation is inadequate and fragmented. It recommends adopting innovative and context-appropriate technologies, formalizing and regulating informal services, and harmonizing sanitation policies. The results provide insights for residents, utilities, policymakers, NGOs, and urban planners seeking to improve sanitation in informal settlements. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1603 Practices on Menstrual Hygiene Management among Girls Aged 9 to 17 years in Mathioya Sub-County, Murang’a County Nyarenchi, Janet Bosibori Menstrual Hygiene Management is an essential component of women's lives. Morethan50% of teenage girls in low and middle income countries (LMICs) engage in inadequate Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) practices with a larger proportion in rural areas. Limited information regarding the magnitude of the problem of Menstrual Hygiene Management among adolescent females from these areas is known. In addition, limited data regarding the present-day approaches to Menstrual Hygiene Management has been recorded. Majority of published research papers on Menstrual Hygiene Management have primarily examined the types of Menstrual Management Materials as the main obstacles to achieving good MHM practices. This study was important to gain a deeper understanding of MHM practices among adolescent females below 18 years of age. This study’s objectives were to evaluate the existing personal hygiene habits, the type of menstrual management material utilized, and the disposal techniques employed to improve menstrual hygiene practices and overall well-being among adolescent girls in Mathioya sub-county, Murang’a County. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design and utilized a stratified random sampling technique. For participation, the study recruited a cohort of 387 adolescent females aged 9 to 17 years. Findings showed that 80% of the girls continuously adhered to appropriate personal hygiene practices by showering regularly, whereas 20% held a divergent viewpoint. Ninety-four (94%) of the female participants in the study reported changing their menstrual products every4–6hours, whereas 6% changed them twice within that time frame, depending on the intensity of their menstrual flow. Majority (98%) utilized soap and water for handwashing, whereas a small minority, around 2%, relied solely on water. Eight-six(86%)of the female participants utilized a cloth, soap, and water to cleanse their genitalia, whereas 14% relied solely on a cloth and water. In addition, almost all (95%) of these girls used disposable sanitary pads to efficiently manage their menstrual periods. Because of poverty, they faced numerous challenges in acquiring these items (89%). Only 92% of the female participants showed a preference for disposable sanitary pads, despite having received information about various menstrual management options. Due to the issue of period poverty, 85% of people have stated that the government and the Ministry of education should offer complimentary sanitary products to meet their needs. In the end, 97% of participants indicated that the most efficient approach for disposing of menstrual waste was to dispose of it in pit latrines. However, only 10%hadtheopportunity to use such latrines, and a substantial 83% of those individuals were unaware of the adverse repercussions associated with the inappropriate disposal of menstrual waste. Following the study findings, the research recommends that the State Department of Basic Education in the MOE should include menstrual hygiene management into the National School Health strategy as part of their education strategy, with the goal of enhancing personal hygiene behaviors among girls. The Murang'a county government and school administration should collaborate to offer support in supplying sanitary items and undergarments to adolescent females. Additionally, schools should provide materials for the proper disposal of menstrual waste and explore alternate alternatives to minimize waste. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1602 Faecal Waste Management Practices and Performance of Sanitation Service Chain in Marsabit Town, Marsabit County, Kenya Ali, Mohamed Safe faecal waste management can reduce transmission routes where pathogens in faecal particles pass from one person to the mouth of another. Globally, 780 million people lackaccess to safe water and approximately 2.5 billion people in the developing world have limited access to adequate sanitation, a situation that has led to increased mortality due to sanitation-related illnesses. This research sought to explore the faecal waste management practices among households across sanitation service chain in Marsabit town, Marsabit County, Kenya. Descriptive cross-sectional study design adopting mixed method was used and the study targeted a sample size of 612 households sampled from nine (9)Zones. Data collection was done through observations and interviews. The SPSS tools were used for data analysis and generating tables. About 64.9%of Marsabit county population practices open defecation. Toilet position during defecation differed from person to person and was culture-dependent. Out of 612 respondents approximately81%(n=495) respondents reported squatting during defecation as a common preferred toilet use. Sitting position was at 19% (n=117). Majority of the community were washersat 77.6% (n=475) and wipers at 22.4% (n=137). Approximately 70%(n=429) responded that they abandon their latrine once they are full. Infant mortality has been observed in Marsabit county with increased mortality especially in children under five years of age, occurring daily. This could be attributed to lack of adequate sanitation leading to open defecation, poor hygiene as well as the low water table in the area 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z