Kisumu County to host summit on addressing sanitation governance challenges

With only 33% of the population having access to safely managed sanitation, the harsh reality is that over five million Kenyans are forced to resort to open defecation, perpetuating the spread of diseases and compromising their well-being.

The impact of this crisis is particularly severe in rural and urban communities, where vulnerable populations bear the brunt of inadequate sanitation infrastructure. Diarrhea diseases, often exacerbated by poor sanitation, claim the lives of thousands of children annually, further entrenching the cycle of poverty and hindering human potential.

Recognizing the urgency of this crisis, the Water and Sanitation Providers Association (WASPA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Sanitation and the County Government of Kisumu, has organized the Kenya Sanitation Governance and Exhibition Conference. This three-day event, scheduled to take place from June 3rdto 5th, 2024, in Kisumu County, aims to address the sanitation governance challenges head-on and chart a comprehensive roadmap for lasting solutions.

Speaking during the precursor of the conference on Wednesday in Nairobi, WASPA Chief Executive Officer Antony Ambugo, noted that the conference will serve as a pivotal platform for stakeholders, experts, policymakers, and community representatives to converge and collectively tackle this pressing issue.

‘’For many years, water utilities have focused on water provision and safely managed sanitation has not been given the attention it deserves. That is why we decided to have a conference that critically looks at sanitation governance and the challenges therein”. Said Ambugo

Central to the conference's objectives is the development of robust governance frameworks and policies that prioritize universal access to safe and sustainable sanitation facilities. Participants through high level panel discussion will delve into strategies that will strengthen institutional capacity, streamline resource allocation, and promote accountability mechanisms to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of sanitation initiatives.

‘’ We need a clear framework that will be able to recognize everybody participating in the entire sanitation value chain.’’ Ambugo added

On his part, the Water Secretary, State Department for Water and Sanitation, Eng. Samwel Alima encouraged sanitation stakeholders to explore innovative technological solutions and best practices from around the globe. “There is need to do things differently so as to achieve different results’. Noted Eng. Alima.

While expressing the readiness of Kisumu County to host this conference, Dr. Mathews Owili,the Deputy Governor, Kisumu County emphasizedfostering public-private partnerships and mobilizing investments in the sanitation sector, by engaging the private sector and leveraging their expertise and resources.

‘’Most of the 47 counties in Kenya have sanitation governance challenges and the stakeholders, captains of the industry, and partners are convening in Kisumu to develop strategies and share innovations on how to help most of the counties take care of their sanitation issues’’. The deputy governor said.

The Kenya Sanitation Governance and Exhibition Conference aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6);Clean Water and Sanitation for All. Moreover, the conference's objectives resonate with Kenya's Vision 2030, a national long-term development blueprint that recognizes access to safe water and adequate sanitation as crucial enablers for socio-economic transformation.