Nairobi, June 29 -- For years, bidets were mostly associated with luxury hotels, international travel or Muslim households. Today, they are quietly making their way into Kenyan homes as home owners embrace better hygiene, modern bathroom design and smart technology.

From simple handheld sprays to fully automated smart toilets, what was once considered a niche bathroom fixture is becoming an increasingly common feature in new developments and home renovations.

Curious about just how mainstream they had become, I walked into one of Nairobi's ceramic and interior shops in Thindigua.

"How much is this one?" I asked, pointing at a ceramic bidet displayed beside a row of wall-hung toilets.

"That one is Sh22,000," said the salesman without l...