The Siaya County Department of Health, in collaboration with the Western Kenya Sanitation Project (WKSP), has embarked on a transformational process in revamping hygiene in Gem Sub-County.
The partnership aims at capacity building on the part of local craftsmen in the installation of SATO, a modern sanitary product intended to improve the sanitation status, and safety of household toilets. By equipping these craftsmen with the skills needed to make these utensils, the county is not only providing employment to its people but is also positively changing the hygiene levels within the community hence reducing the occurrence of diseases like cholera. This intervention further demonstrates the preparedness of Siaya County in maintaining public health through effective and sustainable measures.
Among the goals of the enterprise is to minimize the risk of waterborne diseases, including cholera, which has become chronic in the area. The SATO solution of pans, stools and flex covers provide a viable and inexpensive method of achieving/retaining clean toilet conditions.
These components are intended to reduce human waste contact and utilise methods that will reduce common environmental smell resultant from other basic pit toilets. Thus, encouraging the use of SATO across the county, Siaya will seek to provide healthier environment for every member of the society but especially for those in the rural areas who have been locked out from access to better sanitation facilities in the past.
It is also important to note that the training of local artisans is another strategic development in so far as the sustainability of this initiative is concerned. These artisans once trained will be capable of installing SATO in the households of the sub-county in supporting the largest hygiene behavior change program in the county.
A direct observation of the training sessions offered by the WKSP showed that their training was detailed, including both the practical training of installation and the training regarding hygiene education. Through training institutions, Siaya County is empowering the required technical personnel for effective installation of SATO system which shall be enhanced to create awareness to all households hence improving sanitation status across all societies.
Finally, the vision of the Siaya County Department of Health being a leading health department in the provision of affordable and quality healthcare to the people of Siaya is in line with the long-term prospect that seeks to ensure the 100% of the households in Gem Sub-County are fitted with SATO. This goal is actually very laudable and it demonstrates the commitment of the county to the improvement of public health and cleanliness of the environment.
Through adoption of sound measures such as promotion of sanitation through SATO, the county is setting stage for future whereby diseases that can easily be prevented are eliminated and this consequently raising the living standards of every citizen. The partnership with WKSP is an excellent example of how partnerships can make a difference in addressing social issues in the communities and should be emulated in other parts of Kenya.