Open Defecation in Newly Created Kenyan Counties: A Situational Analysis

Introduction. An estimated 5.6 million Kenyans defecate in the open. This exposes them to sanitation related diseases. This study analysed open defecation trends among the 47 counties in Kenya, newly created in 2013. Methods. The study used four data sets on open defecation, unimproved water supply coverage, poverty levels, and population density. Results. Mean open defecation rate across the 47 counties was 23.5% and the median rate 6.9%. The lowest rate was 0.1% and the highest 88.4%. Fifteen counties had open defecation rates of 40% and above. Another 21 counties had open defecation rates of less than 5%. Poverty was the most significant predictor accounting for 68.4% of the variance in open defecation after controlling for unimproved water supply and population density. Conclusion. Some counties have unacceptably high open defecation rates. Alleviating poverty may reduce open defecation in Kenya.