Land permits major challenge to Nairobi's sanitation projects

Land permits remain one of the biggest challenges hindering the implementation of sanitation projects in Nairobi’s informal settlements.

Fresh Life Managing Director Antony Mulinge says since the inception of such projects in 2022, the biggest challenge has been where to set up.

According to Mulinge, since many people in the informal settlements do not own lands or title deeds, it becomes difficult for them to set up sanitation facilities.

Speaking during the opening of one of the Fresh Life toilets in Kibera, Mulinge said although such facilities play a crucial role in plugging gaps where there is no sewer coverage without proper areas for set up the idea remains only but a dream.

He said Fresh Life has partnered with the county and Nairobi Water to expand sanitation access across the county.

He said Kibera had been mapped out with findings indicating that there is still a huge need for access to proper sanitation.

“This partnership aims to expand sanitation access by providing safe, sustainable and dignified non-sewered solutions to over 500,000 residents living in Nairobi low-income communities, starting with Kibera one of the largest informal settlements,” said Mulinge

He said the partnership with the county will also play a key role in solving the administrative challenges in seeking permits.

County Director in charge of Water and Sanitation Mario Kainga said there are some gaps which are left out in sanitation and they need interventions.

“National and county government is working on a policy document that will guide on interventions so that we achieve sanitation for all as it is enshrined in our constitution article 43,” said Kainga.

He said that they are mapping out all partners by establishing a framework of coordination to ensure there are coherent partnerships, eliminating duplication as well as seeing the value of their money.