Water, sanitation and hygiene status in Kampi Samaki, Lake Baringo, Kenya

Adequate water, sanitation and hygiene is essential to health. However, in sub-Saharan Africa access to improved water and sanitation sources is a challenge. In Baringo, more than 50% of the people rely on unimproved water and sanitation sources. This research is part of a larger cross-sectional study that reports on water, sanitation, and hygiene status in Kampi Samaki. An observational survey was undertaken. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select sample. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences software was used for data analysis. Seventy percent of respondents in Kampi Samaki rely on lake water for drinking. Waterborne diseases such as typhoid and diarrhea have been reported among the residents. Lack of drinking water treatment was reported among more than half of the population (56%). Forty-nine percent of the respondents reported that children access drinking water by themselves from the storage containers The study reports that the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) status is inadequate. This can be attributed to the prevalent waterborne diseases. Proper water treatment and hygienic handling of stored water are recommended. Key words: Lake Baringo, waterborne diseases, water treatment