Technical Factors Associated with Functionality of Hand Washing Practices in Lurambi Sub County, Kakamega County, Kenya
Abstract
Inadequate handwashing facilities and inconsistent maintenance in Kenyan public primary schools have posed significant health risks, leading to the spread of infectious diseases such as diarrhea and respiratory infections among students. Limited access to reliable water and soap, coupled with insufficient technical maintenance, impedes regular hand hygiene practices, particularly in resource-constrained environments. Moreover, frequent breakdowns and lack of direct water connections to handwashing stations further hinder effective hygiene practices in schools. The purpose of this study was to examine the technical factors influencing the functionality of handwashing practices in public primary schools in Lurambi Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya. Anchored by the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM), which considers environmental and institutional influences on behavior, the study employed a cross-sectional survey design. The target population included students and school administrators across public primary schools, with a sample size of 389 respondents selected through cluster sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires and structured observation, with quantitative data analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS. Results indicated that while schools had access to various water sources, such as boreholes and shallow wells, the lack of direct piping to handwashing stations and inadequate maintenance led to frequent malfunctions, reducing the consistency of handwashing practices among pupils. Further, reliance on manual water refilling contributed to limited access during class hours, further affecting hygiene compliance. Key informant interviews highlighted the need for infrastructure improvements to enhance water accessibility and functionality. In conclusion, reliable handwashing facilities require both infrastructure investment and regular maintenance to promote consistent hand hygiene practices. It is recommended that schools receive adequate funding to establish direct water connections and improve station durability.
Keywords: Technical Factors, Functionality, Hand Washing Practices, Lurambi Sub County, Kakamega County, Kenya
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