The linkage between settlement profile and choice of sanitation system in peri-urban areas: a case study of Nakuru municipality

Abstract

Presently human settlements in developing societies do not effectively address problems in urban areas including inadequate housing, unreliable energy sources, inadequate water supply, poor sanitation systems and lack of access roads in informal settlements. Recently, Nakuru town water supply has been characterized by chronic shortages and this threatens sanitation in residential and industrial functions within the Municipality. “Flying toilets” and pit latrines are conspicuous in low income high density settlements, while flush toilets, sewer systems and septic tanks are common among middle and high income low density settlements. A study was carried out to assess and map linkages between sanitation technologies and settlements profile in the municipality and examine implications of resource-oriented sanitation technologies. Results showed that sanitation situation in low income settlements and choice of sanitation technology is limited to multi-factors. 70% of respondents indicated a strain economically as a determining factor in the choice of sanitation technology. The research recommended the adoption of ecological sanitation as a paradigm shift from conventional sanitation.