Ujenzi Bora: A Behavioral System Analysis of the Adoption and Use of Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks for Homes in Kenya

Abstract

The puzzling low rate of adoption of Interlocking Stabilized Soil Block building technology in Kenya is examined through the perspective of existing literature on decision making and innovation adoption. Nine surveys are then administered in five locations—seven random samples, a sample of ISSB users, and a sample of those who have initiated steps toward using ISSBs but didn’t follow through. Knowledge is found to be low and incomplete. Active resistance is not found, but rather reasons for non-adoption are found to be practical, financial, and psychological—stemming from money, lack of cashflow, convenience, ease of obtaining machine. Possible solutions are offered, including ideas involving framing-conscious advertising, lotteries, loans, per-block sales, and preemptive placement of the ISSB machine.