Nakuru City: Nakuru City has recorded a remarkable 25% increase in safely managed sanitation services in the past decade, signaling a significant improvement in the provision of sanitation infrastructure.
According to Kenya News Agency, this progress has been largely attributed to the adoption of the Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) approach, a model that recognizes both onsite and offsite sanitation systems as viable solutions within the urban landscape.
The findings were presented during the Nakuru City Sanitation Baseline Assessment Workshop, a forum that brought together key stakeholders to assess the city’s sanitation progress, discuss existing challenges, and outline future strategies.
Chief Officer for Water and Sanitation, Eng. Margaret Kinyanjui, emphasized the county government’s commitment to ensuring that all residents benefit from improved sanitation. She reiterated the county’s alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which seeks to provide universal access to clean water and sanitation while eliminating open defecation.
‘We recognize that sanitation is a fundamental right and a driver of public health and environmental sustainability. Through the Nakuru Citywide Inclusive Sanitation Plan, we are empowering communities to access clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene in urban areas,’ Eng. Kinyanjui stated while opening the workshop.
As part of these efforts, Nakuru County has undertaken key sanitation projects, including the rehabilitation of three toilet blocks in Flamingo Ward, benefiting 150 households, and the upgrade of a 279-meter sewer line in Hilton, London Ward, which will improve sanitation for over 250 households. Additionally, the county is implementing a Sh5.6 billion water and sewerage system overhaul, funded by the German Development Bank, to modernize infrastructure and protect Lake Nakuru from pollution.
The meeting brought together experts and policymakers from Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP), Nakuru Water and Sanitation Services Company (NAWASSCO), the County Department of Water and Environment, Public Health, and Physical and Urban Planning departments. The discussions revolved around how to sustain the progress made and expand sanitation coverage across Nakuru’s rapidly growing urban population.
By integrating various sanitation options, the county has been able to extend services to informal settlements and underserved areas, ensuring that no one is left behind in access to proper sanitation. Unlike traditional methods that focus solely on sewer connections, CWIS embraces alternative solutions such as decentralized wastewater treatment systems, improved pit latrines, and public-private partnerships in sanitation service delivery.
A 2023 report by the World Bank indicated that only 30% of Kenya’s urban population is connected to a sewer system, leaving the majority dependent on onsite sanitation solutions like pit latrines and septic tanks. This reality underscores the importance of Nakuru’s inclusive approach, which ensures that sanitation services are safely managed even in areas lacking conventional sewer networks.
With Nakuru’s urban population currently estimated at over 570,000 residents, rapid urbanization has presented both an opportunity and a challenge in sanitation service provision. A 2022 study by UN Habitat highlighted that informal settlements continue to expand, often lacking adequate sanitation facilities. To address this, Nakuru County has prioritized investments in decentralized treatment systems and sanitation infrastructure, working closely with partners to scale up services.
Despite the notable progress, several challenges remain. Expanding sewer networks across the city requires significant financial investment, and informal settlements often lack the necessary space and resources for improved sanitation facilities. Additionally, promoting behavioral change and hygiene awareness is crucial in ensuring long-term sustainability.
To tackle these issues, the county has committed to increasing public investment in sanitation infrastructure, strengthening collaborations with stakeholders like WSUP and NAWASSCO, and intensifying public awareness campaigns on hygiene and waste management.
Kenya as a whole has made strides in sanitation, but significant gaps persist. According to the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, only 29% of Kenyans have access to safely managed sanitation services, while over 5 million people still practice open defecation. Nakuru’s efforts align with the national government’s broader goal of achieving universal sanitation access by 2030, as outlined in Kenya’s National Water and Sanitation Investment Plan (2023-2030).
Nakuru’s efforts have also gained regional recognition. The Eastern and Southern Africa Water and Sanitation Regulators Association (ESAWAS) has acknowledged the city’s commitment to inclusive sanitation, citing its approach as a model for other urban areas. The Countywide Inclusive Sanitation Strategy, which integrates both onsite and offsite sanitation solutions, has positioned Nakuru as a leader in tackling urban sanitation challenges across the region.
As Nakuru continues its sanitation transformation, its commitment to inclusive and sustainable solutions is positioning it as a leader in urban sanitation management. With strategic investments, strong partnerships, and community-driven initiatives, the city is steadily progressing toward achieving full sanitation coverage and improving public health for its growing population.