In Kenya, the urban poor are residing in the Peri urban areas of Nakuru Municipality with inadequate
sanitation facilities. This study investigated attitudes towards urine diverting toilets to popularize their
use as viable alternative sanitation. Face to face interviews among 231 household respondents using a
semi structured questionnaire, field observations, focused group discussions and key informant
interviews were performed. Most of the respondents reported that the ecosan toilets are a viable option
due to congested housing pattern, desire to own a toilet (for those who never had a toilet before), geohydrological
conditions, improved privacy, and convenience among other factors. Most respondents
preferred squatting type of urine diverting toilet, and are willing to reuse sanitized urine and feacal
matter. Among the challenges noted include forgetfulness by some people to spray ash after defecating,
misplaced water entering the toilet vault during cleaning and confusion in using the two holes. The
provision for squat hole covers; modification of design, commitment and household change of behaviors
are fundamental for encouraging more adoption and replication of the toilets.
The study recommends more sanitation is dignity awareness campaigns through social marketing of
Urine diverting toilets to salvage available water for improved livelihoods