Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the global burden of disease could be reduced by up to 15% by improving water, sanitation and hygiene. Until recently, however, little attention has been paid to sanitation by national governments and the international community. For example, Kenya and Uganda have been overhauling their water governance and delivery mechanisms with support from the World Bank since 2002. But Kenya only launched its Environmental Sanitation and Hygiene Policy in 2007, and has yet to develop regulatory guidelines and standards.

In Kenya, only about 5% of the population have access to flushable toilets, while 13% have no form of sanitation at all (2002). Due to socioeconomic constraints, cultural factors and biological differences, women and schoolgirls are most affected by the lack of environmental services.

This action-research project will attempt to address the gender, social, technical and environmental challenges related to sanitation infrastructure (toilets) in two small towns in Kenya (Naivasha) and Uganda (Masaka). Researchers will identify and test alternative, affordable options that are responsive to gender needs and concerns, and propose relevant practical and policy changes in order to increase access to improved water and sanitation services by the urban poor.

Recipient Institution(s)