| dc.description.abstract | The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim for universal access to safely managed
sanitation by 2030 and also emphasizes eradication of open defecation as a way to promote
pathogen-free environment. Despite efforts to improve sanitation standards, significant
challenges still persist, particularly in developing regions inhabited by pastoral communities
and could be linked to unique components in the society. This study investigated the
influence of social cultural, economic and demographic factors on access to safely managed
sanitation in pastoral communities of Saku Sub-County, Kenya, where sanitation access is
notably low. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed. The researcher employed
semi-structured questionnaires to gather data from 100 household heads and sample size
determined using Yamane's adjusted formula. Stratified technique of sampling was used to
classify the area based on its Wards and simple-random sampling based on population size
considered in selecting household heads. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version
26 for descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicated a correlation between
households with school-aged children and a lower likelihood of constructing safe toilets.
These households often prioritized educational expenses, such as school fees and food, over
sanitation improvements. Gender roles were significant predictors of safe toilets adoption at
the households (β=0.138, p=0.01). The nature of work for women such as having to look for
water and for men like herding in lonely places where there were no toilets attracted open
defecation cases. Latrine utilization was minimal at night due to safety concerns among
females as indicated by 72% of the respondents. The cultural beliefs held in the region had a
negative influence on toilet adoption (β=-0.130, p=0.040) while level of awareness on
sanitation-related matters among the residents positively influenced adoption of safe toilets,
thus increased access to safe sanitation (β=0.127, p=0.011). Construction of toilets near
some households was undermined by the fear that the toilet pits would kill or injure
livestock, which seemed to be given the highest priority. Traditions that revolved around
restriction of latrine sharing between grown-ups and children attracted cases of open
defecation even with access to toilets which suggested a need for toilets separation.
Economic status of residents significantly affected adoption of safe toilets at the households
(p<0.05). The study recommends context-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and gender
inclusive sanitation interventions supported by education, community engagement, and
policy measures—while calling for further research on socio-cultural influences and multi
stakeholder policy approaches to improve sustainable sanitation in pastoral communities. | en_US |
