Migori County joined the global community in celebrating World Toilet Day, reaffirming its commitment to achieving full open defecation-free (ODF) status. The event, held at Rokere Primary School in Kuria West Sub-County, highlighted the county’s progress in sanitation and hygiene and its dedication to eradicating open defecation.
Collaborative Efforts to Improve Sanitation
The celebration brought together the Ministry of Health, Migori County Government, and partners like Reckitt. Speaking at the event, Mr. Antony Wainaina, Head of Environmental Health and Sanitation at the State Department of Public Health, emphasized the importance of universal toilet access as a strategy to curb communicable diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and polio.
“Poor sanitation is a leading cause of diarrheal diseases, especially in third-world countries. Ensuring every household has a toilet is a key step toward combating these illnesses,” said Wainaina.
Sanitation Milestones in Migori
Migori County has made significant strides in sanitation:
- Latrine Coverage: Currently at 92%, up from 46% in 2014.
- Handwashing Facilities: 100% coverage among households.
- Treated Water Access: 94% of households are connected or use treated water.
- Basic Sanitation Access: Nearly 100% of villages have access, with only 8% relying on shared facilities.
Deputy Governor Joseph Mahiri credited the success to initiatives such as Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), which has driven improvements in basic hygiene and sanitation across the county.
“Our journey from 46% toilet coverage in 2014 to 92% today is a testament to bold actions and collaboration. However, we must push for the remaining 8% to achieve full ODF status,” Mahiri stated.
The Role of Clean Toilets in Health and Dignity
Dr. James Mokoro, Regulatory Affairs Manager at Reckitt, underscored the role of toilet hygiene in preventing disease and fostering peace and dignity.
“A clean, safe toilet is more than just a facility—it is a place of peace and respect. By ensuring hygienic practices, we contribute to health and safety for everyone,” Mokoro said, adding that Reckitt remains committed to promoting toilet hygiene globally.
Continued Efforts and Partnerships
Mahiri called for stronger partnerships to address the remaining sanitation gaps. The county plans to sustain its progress through collaboration with public and private stakeholders, ensuring all households have access to toilets and proper sanitation facilities.
A Global Call to Action
World Toilet Day, observed annually on November 19, aims to tackle the global sanitation crisis. The United Nations reports that 4.2 billion people worldwide lack safely managed sanitation, with 673 million still practicing open defecation.
Migori County’s advancements are a testament to what can be achieved through community-driven initiatives, government commitment, and strategic partnerships, serving as a model for other regions striving to improve sanitation and public health.
