Improved design of ecosan toilets and their impact on the economy and environment in Kenya

Abstract

Development of Ecological Sanitation (EcoSan) technology has greatly improved the problems and costs related to water consumption, management of water resources, environmental and pollution, outbreaks and control of waterborne diseases, conversion of human waste into humanure. However, the economic and environmental importance of Urine Diversion Toilet (UDT) which is an Ecosan has not been well understood by the rural communities in Kenya. The improved design of current EcoSan toilet is aimed at making it acceptable among the kenyan communities. An ash dispensing unit that is operated as a water cistern has been designed to eliminate direct handling of ash in ECOSAN toilets. Also an opening and closing mechanism of toilet defesification opening attached to the pan has been designed to eliminate exposer of human feaces. These designs makes it easy to use Ecosan system and is more hygienic. This makes it acceptable to most Kenyan communities that have negative cultural believes and is expected to improve the uptake of these toilets.. It is recommended that the communities adopt the modified system and the government and non-governmental institutions take their role in sensitizing the communities of the technology.