Water and sanitation are not only critical for life and health, but they are also integral to dignity, empowerment, and long-term prosperity. Access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental human right, essential for everyone’s well-being. In Kenya, particularly in informal settlements, slums, and rural villages, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene, combined with limited access to safe drinking water, pose serious health risks. Thousands of children are becoming ill and are at risk of death due to these conditions, while many households spend a significant portion of their income on hospital visits.

Currently, only 30% of Kenyans have access to improved sanitation, which includes the hygienic separation of waste from human contact. This leaves approximately 30 million people relying on unsafe sanitation methods, such as basic latrines, while almost six million people still defecate in the open. In rural areas, the situation is even more dire, with 15% of the population resorting to open defecation compared to just 3% in urban areas. As urban populations continue to grow, the demand for basic services such as clean water and sanitation far exceeds the capacity to provide them.

TEL International’s efforts are aimed to address these challenges by improving access to clean drinking water, better sanitation facilities, and promoting good hygiene practices in households and schools. By focusing on safe waste management along the entire sanitation service chain—from waste generation to disposal or reuse—we can significantly reduce health risks. Additionally, peer-to-peer advocacy and education on menstrual hygiene management are essential in both schools and communities to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to maintain good health.

The results of these efforts are clear: fewer children are being hospitalized due to preventable waterborne diseases, reducing the financial burden on families. Furthermore, a safer waste management system is being established, which is changing how waste is handled and disposed of in communities. By implementing policies focused on waste management and sanitation, we are fostering a culture of better hygiene practices. With sustained access to clean water and improved sanitation, every household can experience better health and a brighter future.

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