The provision of improved sanitation facilities has been pointed out as one of the common strategies for preventing sanitation-related diseases such as diarrhea. However, despite government efforts of improving sanitation standards, latrines in rural areas of developing countries remain rudimental and people still practice open defecation even with the presence of toilets. Unless factors that influence behavior change are well comprehended, communities could continue stagnating in the sanitation ladder as a result of unacceptable toilets. The study objectives were: to examine the influence of social factors, cultural factors and latrine status on the adoption of sanitation practices in rural areas. The study adopted convergent mixed methods research design where both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered simultaneously. Quantitative data was gathered using structured questionnaires from 100 household heads selected using cluster and proportionate simple random sampling techniques. Qualitative data was collected using an interview guide from a purposively selected focus group consisting of 9 participants. The quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 which generated descriptive and inferential statistics to unveil the relationship between variables. The findings were organized into themes and presented in narratives. Pretesting of instruments was conducted among 10 participants from Nkomo Location in Meru County to test their validity. A coefficient of 0.72 was arrived at after employing the test-retest technique in determining the reliability of instruments. From the findings, 75% of residents adopted traditional pit latrines, some of which had no slabs, roofs, had tattered walls, flies and odour nuisances. The study established that 30% of the households practiced open defecation. Knowledge alone did not motivate people to stop open defecation (r=0.159, p=0.003) but had a positive relationship with adoption of improved latrines (correlation coefficient, r=0.099, p=0.022). The engagement of non-skilled masons facilitated construction of unimproved toilets (r=0.455, p=0.001). Location of toilets far from households had an implication on women safety especially at night. Women roles such as fetching water and collecting firewood, and male roles like rearing livestock in deserted places with no toilets influenced open defecation (r=0.477, p=0.000). However, existing traditions and beliefs on witchcraft on feces left in the open created fear of defecating in the open. Inadequate women's involvement in sanitation decision-making increased women's stresses of accessing unacceptable latrines which were abandoned for open defecation. There existed religions which associated the cause of diarrhea with demons which denoted a form of ignorance on sanitation realities. Results also showed a positive relationship between inadequate latrine maintenance and open defecation (r=0.175, p=0.001). Lack of privacy in toilets encouraged latrine abandonment (r=0.242, p=0.015). To boost improved latrine adoption, ownership and use, the study recommends active surveillance and training at the household level coupled with a community-driven system where members come together and assist each other to construct good toilets. Community-Led Total Sanitation practice should incorporate triggering exercises that not only targets open defecation but also enlightens residents on the dangers of adopting unimproved latrines. Further, the study recommends women's inclusion in household sanitation matters and a review of sanitation policies to incorporate religious leaders as advocates of sanitation behaviour change. The study also recommends future studies on adoption of sanitation practices alongside environmental, demographic, economic and psychological factors in rural areas.