A joint venture by UNICEF and SATO LIXIL is seeking to complement the government’s effort to improve sanitation for Kenyans by delivering affordable hygiene solutions to 560,000 people in the country
SATO, a Japanese maker of water and housing products has announced a partnership with UNICEF to supplement the government’s effort to improve sanitation for Kenyans.
The joint initiative is aimed at giving more Kenyans access to safe, clean, and sustainable toilets and hygiene solutions.
It is targeting to improve sanitation for more than 560,000 Kenyans by providing improved, affordable toilets.
According to UNICEF, an estimated five million people in Kenya still practice open defecation with only 75 percent (that’s 3 out of 4 people) lacking hand-washing facilities with soap and water at home.
“Access to a clean and safe environment is every child’s right. Safe WASH facilities and good hygiene practices not only enable children to survive and thrive but also give them a healthier start in life,” Chief of WASH at UNICEF Kenya Mahboob Ahmed Bajwa, said during the partnership announcement.
UNICEF also estimates that one in three people in Kenya has no access to basic sanitation, a situation that is worse in rural areas, informal settlements in urban areas, and in regions grappling with water shortages for domestic and agricultural use.
“The “Make A Splash!’ partnership has made a real impact on people’s lives and the environment in Kenya by providing over 300,000 people with access to safe sanitation facilities. Moreover, UNICEF, in partnership with (SATO) LIXIL, has enhanced the school sanitation facilities in 129 schools, providing a good learning environment for children.”
The new partnership complements SATO’s ongoing efforts to upgrade toilets in schools across the country through the Schools Toilet Enhancement Programme (STEP).
“Through this partnership, we will focus on improving the quality of life for 560,000 people in Kenya and another 3.3 million Africans across Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Tanzania,” Samuel Langat, SATO’s Africa Leader, said.
Nearly 12,000 SATO toilets have already been installed across four Kenyan counties, and a bill to establish a network of 2,100 community health volunteers to promote improved sanitation in Kitui County awaits the Governor’s signature.
“Thanks to the partnership, we can deliver better sanitation and hygiene products based on user’s needs and preferences and can jointly leverage financing for local suppliers and consumers while supporting policies and regulations to accelerate change,” said Langat.
SATO says its upgraded toilets require 80 percent less water to flush (less than 500ml or 2 cups of water), catering to the scarcity of water that afflicts parts of the country.
The toilets are also fitted with an innovative self-closing trap door that minimises foul smell from the pits and the unsightly appearance of human waste while keeping flies and insects away.
They also make latrines safer for young children and the elderly compared to open-pit latrines.
“Partnership activities focus on market-driven programs and advocacy efforts to draw attention to opportunities for existing and potential sanitation entrepreneurs including pit emptiers and masons,” SATO Africa Partnerships Leader, Fredrick Nyambare, said.
The firm welcomed manufacturers, distributors, retailers, masons, and entrepreneurs who seek to grow their businesses by expanding their product lines to explore opportunities to partner with them in delivering safe sanitation for all.
“We will be initiating pilot programmes and training to build strong supply chains and distribution networks that enable local entrepreneurs to sell, install, and service SATO products,” said Nyambare.
The firm’s consumer-centric products range from toilet pans and connection systems to taps for handwashing. The products are tailored to use little water and can be easily installed by local, trained artisans.
Source: MY Gov