| dc.description.abstract | Global fecal sludge management heavily relies on on-site sanitation, with 1.3 billion out of 2.7 billion people depending on it, especially in urban areas where urban poor and peri-urban residents face increased risks but are often overlooked. In Sub-Saharan cities, pit latrines are more common than sewage systems. Access to sanitation in urban areas on a global scale is estimated between 65 and 100 percent, but improper fecal waste disposal poses significant risks of waterborne diseases. This study aimed to assess the impact of resource planning, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring and evaluation on fecal sludge management practices in Embu County. The study sampled 157 respondents, including managers, technicians, contractors, people involved in exhausting, and landlords, using a combination of primary and secondary data sources. Questionnaires and interviews were used to gather qualitative and quantitative data, and the Cronbach alpha method assessed reliability. The findings indicated that effective resource planning positively influences the implementation of fecal sludge management systems, with a coefficient value of 0.979 suggesting increased resource planning leads to successful implementation. Stakeholder engagement also had a significant positive effect on implementation, with a one-unit increase resulting in a 0.355 unit increase in system implementation. Additionally, Monitoring and Evaluation activities positively impacted implementation, with a one-unit increase leading to a 0.787 unit increase.In conclusion, successful fecal sludge management requires proper resource planning, active stakeholder engagement, and robust Monitoring and Evaluation. Decision-makers should prioritize allocating appropriate resources, engaging stakeholders, and establishing comprehensive monitoring mechanisms. These measures will contribute to improved sanitation practices, reduced environmental impacts, and enhanced public health and sustainable development. Recommendations include developing a comprehensive resource plan, involving stakeholders at all levels, establishing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, investing in capacity building and training, and raising public awareness on responsible waste disposal. These actions will help ensure the successful implementation of fecal sludge management systems, particularly in Africa and Kenya, where proper sanitation practices are crucial for public health and environmental protection. | en_US |
