Assessing individual water and sanitation insecurity : A novel tool to track universal access, the case of Mukuru informal settlements in Nairobi.

Abstract: Securing universal, safe, inclusive and affordable water and sanitation services, as targeted by SDG 6, is a challenge for urban settings. Particularly in informal settlements of Mukuru, Nairobi, were its crowded population, insecure land tenure and location in areas prone to environmental hazards places their inhabitants at greater risk of water and sanitation insecurity. Policy and research approaches to measure water and sanitation insecurity lack of a standard tool to assess the multiple dimensions that account for inequalities at the individual level. This study aimed to assess individual water and sanitation insecurity at Mukuru SPA. A novel 21 item insecurity scale was developed addressing water and sanitation availability, accessibility, affordability, perceived water quality, inadequate sanitation and hygiene. Three segments of the Mukuru SPA were selected. Data was collected from 302 individuals through a household survey. Statistical analysis was performed with SAS University software to identify water and sanitation conditions in the area, measure levels of water and sanitation insecurity, examine associations of insecurity levels and socio-economic characteristics and test the validity of the tool. Results indicated that most residents used water sources and sanitation facilities considered improved by global monitoring standards. Nonetheless, more than 50% of the residents of two of the studied segments had higher levels of water and sanitation insecurity. Individuals that were females, belonged to the lowest income ranges or that resided in young female or young male (<18 years old) headed-household were found more vulnerable to water and sanitation insecurity. Significant correlations of water and sanitation insecurity with time spent collecting water and sanitation cost/day, as well as correlations with number of trips to collect water and water cost/day validated the use of the tool.