10th U6+ Consortium of African Universities International Conference

Unsafe domestic water remains a major public health challenge in rapidly urbanizing areas, increasing the risk of microbial contamination and waterborne diseases. In Nakuru West Sub-County, Kenya, intermittent piped water supply, dependence on alternative water sources, inadequate sanitation, and rapid population growth heighten household exposure to unsafe drinking water. However, limited integrated evidence exists linking domestic water quality, community-level risk factors, and disease occurrence. This study aims to assess the microbiological quality of domestic water sources, determine the prevalence and trends of cholera, typhoid fever, and acute watery diarrhea reported between 2020 and 2024, identify community-level risk factors associated with disease occurrence, and evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of Psidium guajava leaf extracts in reducing microbial contamination. An analytical cross-sectional mixed-methods design will be employed involving 384 households proportionately selected across the six wards of Nakuru West Sub-County. Water samples will be analyzed for Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Shigella spp. using APHA standard methods, while household surveys, observations, key informant interviews, and retrospective health records will provide data on water, sanitation, hygiene practices, and disease occurrence. The antimicrobial efficacy of Psidium guajava leaf extracts will be evaluated experimentally using Soxhlet extraction and varying treatment concentrations. Data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Guided by the Health Belief Model and the One Health approach, the study is expected to identify contamination pathways, key behavioral and environmental risk factors, and the potential of indigenous water treatment methods. The findings will support evidence-based public health interventions, water safety planning, and policies aimed at reducing waterborne diseases in urbanizing communities.