Human Waste Processing and Usage: A Renewable Energy Source for Cooking at Kibera Community Biocenters in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Urban informal communities are characterized by lack of access to sanitation facilities, inefficient management of human waste and excessive use of fossil fuel as energy source. A bio-center (BC) provides improved public toilets and biogas energy from human waste generated in the community. The study identified available cooking energy sources in Kibera, examined the operations and challenges of BCs, and elicited residents’ perception of BC systems and usage of biogas energy for cooking.Methods: Descriptive survey research design, using structured questionnaire, interview guide and personal observation as the primary instruments of data collection, was adopted. 6 (33.3%) of the 18 BCs in the 6 villages hosting functional BCs were randomly selected. Ethical protocols were followed and informed consents were obtained from respondents. A pretested structured questionnaire was administered to 394 (2.9%) household heads and a self-administered questionnaire was served on 15 (83.3%) bio-centre managers. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results: 81.7% of respondents had no toilet in their houses; 31.6% used communal pit latrine, while 16.4% practiced wrap and throw. With BCs system in place, 61.4% households had access to biogas toilets, biogas and pour flush toilet (23.9%), biogas and communal pit latrine (14.0%). 70.8% households preferred biogas toilet over other systems. Daily toilet users averaged 176 per toilet and paid Ksh.5 per use. 53.3% of BCs produced biogas used by 58.9% of residents for cooking. Despite some challenges of maintenance and framework, user-respondents were very satisfied (39.3%), satisfied (41.2%), preferred biogas toilets (57.9%), and demanded for more BCs (86.4%). Conclusions: The BCs presented a preferred sanitation and renewable energy systems in the study community. With improvement in their management systems and public awareness, bio-centre facilities portend ample evidence for public policies and strategies to reduce energy poverty, generate income for community groups and mitigate climate change.