| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of Ikotoilets in addressing sanitation among public toilet users in the Nairobi Central Business District (NCBD). The study focused on Ikotoilets located in the NCBD and was guided by the following objectives: To determine the extent to which Ikotoilets have addressed sanitation by transforming social behavior for public toilet users in Nairobi Central Business District; To determine the extent to which Ikotoilets have addressed sanitation by developing entrepreneurial opportunities for public toilet users in Nairobi Central Business District; To determine the extent to which Ikotoilets have addressed sanitation by transforming urban scape for public toilet users in Nairobi Central Business District; and To determine the extent to which Ikotoilets have addressed sanitation by transforming conservation mechanisms for public toilet users in Nairobi Central Business District. The literature review covered the general status of social enterprises and sanitation in the world, and explained ways in which Ecotact Limited; a social enterprise is using the Ikotoilet to address sanitation among public toilet users in NCBD.
The research design was descriptive in nature and a mixed method was used, that constituted both qualitative and quantitative research designs. Probability and nonprobability sampling techniques were used to select the sample size which was ninety five (95) in total constituting Ikotoilet management employees, Ikotoilet lower cadre employees and Ikotoilet users. Data was collected by administering questionnaires and use of interview guides and was then analysed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative data was arranged to enable coding and tabulation before being entered into SPSS. It was analysed through the use of descriptive statistics, which included frequencies and percentages; while the qualitative data that included words was analysed by following key steps of analysing qualitative data: data organization; creating themes; analysing and interpreting information and then writing the report.
Study findings indicated that although it is evident that the Ikotoilet is effective in addressing sanitation among public toilet users in the NCBD through transforming social behavior; developing entrepreneurship; transforming urban scape and transforming conservation mechanisms, there are a few mechanisms that are either not known to the users or are not functioning as stated by Ecotact limited. For instance, the researcher established that tissue paper provided for use was not enough, and that soap is sometimes not available for use. The Ikotoilet users are also not aware of the baby’s changing area in the female toilets, as it is not easily visible. There was a concern that the Ikotoilets are closed very early and thus should at least be opened later into the night and not as early as 6 pm. There are also a number of mechanisms that are not functional, like the radio speakers, light bulbs and the free toilet for disabilities. The researcher recommended to Ecotact Limited that more tissue paper should be provided and that soap should be available all the times. The users, especially the women should also be sensitized about the baby’s changing area and all the mechanisms that have broken down should be repaired. This will ensure that sanitation is entirely addressed among public toilet users in the NCBD. A further study should be carried out with a larger sample that includes Ikotoilets all over Kenya, as different results may be found. | |
