The Maintenance management of sanitary facilities in local authority health centres in Nairobi

Abstract

Most local authority health centers in Kenya, within Nairobi experience numerous maintenance management problems. As a result of these problems and the non application of the established principles of maintenance management the sanitary facilities are poorly maintained and break downs are frequent. Corrective maintenance as against well planned preventive maintenance is common. Lack of adequate support for maintenance department has prevented the formulation and implementation of preventive maintenance programmes.This has led to the rapid dilapidation of the facilities leading to unhealthy condition for the users. This research takes a closer look at the maintenance manage~ent of sanitary facilities in local authority health centres.A total of five health centres have been studied which are Bahati, Kayole II, Makadara, Mathare north and Offafa Jericho health centres.This research attempted to look into the causes of defects and dilapidation in the sariitary facilities, maintenance management problems and try to come up with various recommendations. The findings of the study have revealed that there lacks a maintenance policy in the city council regarding sanitary facilities. Lack of materials for repairs and water are also factors that have led to the deterioration of sanitary facilities. The study recommends that a maintenance budget should be made and funds released to every centre to carry out its own maintenance and then account accordingly. Also the centres should seek alternative source of water