In Embakasi East sub-county, Kenya, Peris Nyambura Kamotho, a dedicated public health officer, is driving a significant transformation in water sanitation and hygiene. Her innovative approach, particularly through the Urban Community Led Total Sanitation (UCLTS) program, has empowered communities to address their sanitation needs effectively. One notable success story is that of Kwa Otieno village, which has undergone a remarkable change in its sanitation infrastructure and practices.
Kwa Otieno, a village with 1,100 residents spread across 210 households, faced severe sanitation challenges. Before intervention, the village had only 58 latrines. Compounding the problem, a centrally located, self-constructed manhole intended to manage waste had become blocked, leading to backflows into households and highlighting an urgent need for intervention.
On November 28, 2022, with support from the USAID-funded Fahari ya Jamii project and implemented by WASH Alliance Kenya, Peris and her team launched a sanitation trigger event in Kwa Otieno. The initiative began with a landlord forum attended by 33 landlords who were eager to improve sanitation but concerned about exacerbating the blockage issue with additional toilets. The team sought guidance from the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, which recommended creating a three-meter radius around the blocked manhole for proper access. This solution required demolishing some structures, a decision reached through extensive consultations with local leaders including the area chief and village elder. The demolition allowed a Nairobi Water truck to clear the blockage, resolving the immediate problem.
The intervention extended beyond simply unblocking the manhole. Led by natural leaders and the village chair, the community took proactive steps to address broader sanitation issues. They fenced off and reclaimed riverbank areas that had been used as dumping sites, planting trees to transform these spaces into green areas.
Ongoing training from WASH Alliance Kenya empowered natural leaders to manage sanitation effectively. As a result, the number of latrines in the village increased from 58 to 77, achieving a 1:25 toilet-to-person ratio. The village was organized into eight lanes to monitor progress on sanitation and hygiene practices.
Kwa Otieno’s progress was recognized through a competition among USAID-supported villages. Though the village finished second, its advancements were acknowledged with a field trip to Siti Katon, another successful village. Inspired by Siti Katon’s waste management system, Kwa Otieno established its own community-based organization (CBO) for waste collection, officially registered by January 2023.
The success of Kwa Otieno has become a model for sustainable community-led sanitation initiatives. Regular clean-ups are now organized independently, with natural leaders taking responsibility. Landlords are incorporating adequate sanitation facilities in new constructions, ensuring long-term adherence to sanitation standards.
Peris Nyambura Kamotho’s efforts have instilled a strong sense of responsibility within the community. Kwa Otieno is now well-positioned to sustain and build upon its sanitation improvements, even in the absence of external support. As one village leader put it, “The community has really taken charge of their sanitation. We now have a sustainable system that we can manage ourselves.”
Kwa Otieno’s story exemplifies the power of community-driven approaches in achieving sustainable development. Through collaboration, training, and empowerment, the village has not only enhanced its sanitation infrastructure but also developed a resilient system for the future.
