Decision-making on shared sanitation in the informal settlements of Kisumu, Kenya

Abstract

Unlike most quantitative studies that investigate decision-making on investing in sanitation, this study adopted a qualitative approach to investigate decision-making on shared sanitation in the informal settlements of Kisumu city, in Kenya. Using a grounded theory approach, landlords and tenants were interviewed to identify sanitation decisions, individuals involved in decision-making and factors influencing decision-making. The results indicate that the main sanitation decisions are on investment, emptying, repair and cleaning. Landlords make investment, emptying and repair decisions, while tenants make cleaning decisions. Absentee landlords are less involved in most decision-making compared to live-in landlords, who rarely consult tenants in decision-making. Tenants make decisions after consultations with a third party and often collectively with other tenants. Sanitation interventions in informal settlements should thus, target landlords and tenants, with investment efforts being directed at landlords and maintenance efforts at tenants.

Barriers and opportunities for management of shared sanitation facilities in low-income settlements in Kenya

“…Seemingly, tenants on compounds with resident landlords may be less involved, especially if the landlord takes an active role in management of the toilets. This may be because they are temporary residents in the settlements and are not owners [27,33]. Consequently, agreed upon plans, communication and education were suggested as possible strategies by both landlords and tenants.…”

“…Basic services such as water, sanitation and solid waste disposal are shared among compound members, and landlords are usually required to ensure that these services are provided. Decisions among residents, including those related to sanitation, are often handled by members of the compound [27].…”

Barriers and opportunities for management of shared sanitation facilities in low-income settlements in Kenya

“…Basic services such as water, sanitation and solid waste disposal are shared among compound members, and landlords are usually required to ensure that these services are provided. Compared to resident landowners, absentee landlords are more likely to delay or neglect the provision and maintenance of sanitation services [27]. When such happens, tenants may decide to collectively demand for or provide services such as repair and maintenance of shared facilities [27].…”

“…Compared to resident landowners, absentee landlords are more likely to delay or neglect the provision and maintenance of sanitation services [27]. When such happens, tenants may decide to collectively demand for or provide services such as repair and maintenance of shared facilities [27]. The relationship between landlords and tenants varies.…”

“…The relationship between landlords and tenants varies. Some landlords and tenants have a cordial relationship, other landlords have a general feeling that tenants are uncooperative, and in other cases, there is some kind of symbiotic relationship among landlords and tenants, especially with regards to payment of rent [26][27][28].…”