Kenya is racing against time to eliminate open defecation by 2030.

Yesterday, the government sent thousands of teacher handbooks to schools in 16 counties where open defecation rates are high. 

An estimated 4.7 million Kenyans cannot access toilet facilities.

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 6.2 calls for the elimination of open defecation by 2030.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said renewed efforts are geared towards enabling the country meet the SDGs.

“The goal of SDG 6 and the targets of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) SDGs call for access to safe and sustainable WASH for everyone by 2030,” the CS said at a Nairobi hotel when he launched Hygiene Promotion in Schools, a handbook for teachers.

The speech was delivered on his behalf by Health Chief Administrative Secretary Dr. Mercy Mwangangi. 

The counties of Marsabit, Samburu, West Pokot, Kajiado, Narok, Murang’a, Homa Bay, Turkana, Wajir and Kwale are among the most affected.

Kenya is one of 26 countries responsible for 90 per cent of open defecation according to a 2017 the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report.

“The burden of open defecation has increased among poor households, more so among the poorest,” the CS pointed out. 

The Head of Public Health at the MOH Dr. Francis Kuria said Kenya is estimated to have a national open defecation rate of 14 per cent. 

Kagwe said the policy documents which were handed to County Health Executives  from the 16 counties will ensure all learners stay in school and contribute to 100 per cent sanitation improvement by 2030.

“One in every three schools in Kenya lacks access to Water. And 50 per cent of the schools lack adequate sanitation spaces, while 98 per cent of schools in rural areas lack hygiene facilities,” he said.