An assessment of sanitation situation and potential for applying public private partnership in its management in lower Migosi estate, Kisumu city, Kenya

Abstract

Achieving sustainable Environmental Sanitation Management (ESM) in urban centres especially in developing countries is difficult unless urban authorities involve all stakeholders in adopting in urban wide strategy. Kisumu City faces sanitation challenges which stem from inadequate provision of basic sanitation services by the legally mandated institutions. This study was undertaken in Kisumu City in order to generate data necessary to develop a model for partnership engagement among all stakeholders in environmental sanitation management. The specific objectives of the study were to: assess the status of environmental sanitation management in Migosi Estate; examine the existing policies, legislations and institutional/organizational roles in ESM; and investigate the potential of public-private partnership (PPP) approaches in environmental sanitation management. The sample frame included City Council of Kisumu, Lake Victoria South Water Services Board, government institutions, Community Based Organizations, private sector institutions and households. The households were sourced from a planned settlement within middle income households (Lower Migosi Estate). The target population for Lower Migosi Estate was 200 households from which 120 households were sampled using stratified and systematic random sampling techniques. Primary data were collected through questionnaires, key informant interviews, observations and photography. Secondary data were collected from available literature and existing information. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages while qualitative data were analyzed by coding and organization of data into themes and categories, then evaluating the usefulness of information for answering research questions. The study found out that: the status of ESM in Migosi Estate was deplorable despite the fact that it is a planned middle income estate; there were weak institutional .and legal frameworks that led to overlaps and disconnect among the institutions undertaking their duties towards addressing ESM challenges; and PPP as an approach to ESM was not existent. It was concluded that: the status of ESM is poor; there is weak institutional/legal frameworks and lack of a structured PPP model within Migosi Estate. The study recommended the need for an inclusive engagement for all players in ESM; harmonization of the conflicting legislations on ESM and piloting of PPP in' ESM.