While constructing a house, a homeowner may spend more on miscellaneous if unplanned. Contractors urged homeowners to consult and design plans, with flexible budgets indicating minimum and maximum projected expenditures.
On Friday, April 21, a debate ensued on the high cost of constructing a pit latrine across the country.
Tens of photos of different pit latrines and their construction costs elicited mixed reactions, with some arguments centred around the size and designs of the much-needed facility.
Depending on the design and geographical area, the costs of the various pit latrines ranged between Ksh30,000 to Ksh300,000.
One skeptical homeowner argued that those quoting high figures were conned and should look for reliable contractors. However, another noted that after checking the comments he was convinced that his Ksh40,000 budget was not enough.
"A colleague built three doors at a cost of Ksh160,000. I did not believe until he gave me the breakdown," another stated.
"It depends on the quality of the materials. I built one, I think with the way things are currently between Ksh250,000 and Ksh300,000 should moderately be enough," another added.
According to some homeowners who had constructed the pit latrines, the cost depended on location, stone level, and labour costs for digging the pit.
Speaking to real estate expert and architect, Arnania Ogutu, Kenyans.co.ke established that the cost can be high due to challenges accessing materials.
"The cost of building the toilets is relatively high. The cost goes up depending on the availability of building materials. The further the location of materials, the more the cost," he stated.
"This is because one has to factor in the cost of transportation. There is also excavation that has to be done and that involves a lot of manpower too," Ogutu added.
He also shared the quotation for four pit latrines in one line, estimated to cost Ksh175,870, excluding the cost of excavation.
Some other factors that influence the construction cost include the type of construction materials and the toilet design.
According to Estate Centre, constructing a pit latrine ranges from Ksh70,000 to Ksh150,000, while constructing a modern toilet ranges between Ksh70,000 and Ksh300,000.
Pit latrines are often found in rural areas and some public schools nationwide.
