Twelve villages in Keiyo ward, Kwanza sub-county, have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) after a sustained community-led sanitation campaign aimed at improving public health and hygiene.
The announcement was made on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Muungano dispensary, where Dr. Edward Wesaya delivered a speech on behalf of Trans Nzoia County Medical Services Director Dr. Akisiangani Babu.
The ceremony brought together health leaders, community representatives and development partners to celebrate the milestone.
Dr. Wesaya described the achievement as a major step in protecting families from preventable diseases.
“Open defecation is not simply an inconvenience. It is a threat to the health of our children, our mothers and our elders,” he said.
He commended residents for constructing pit latrines, installing hand washing facilities and abandoning unsafe practices, noting that the collective effort had safeguarded the dignity of households.
How poor sanitation impacts on health
He added that poor sanitation contributes to cholera, typhoid and diarrhoea, placing a heavy burden on the county’s healthcare system.
“Resources spent treating sanitation-related illnesses could instead be directed towards other development priorities,” he observed.
Trans Nzoia County Public Health Director and Neglected Tropical Diseases Coordinator Dr. Norbert Musundi reaffirmed the county’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6.2, which seeks universal access to sanitation and hygiene by 2030.
With the latest declaration, Kwanza sub-county now has 37 open defecation free (ODF) villages.
“We must continue working together until the entire sub-county attains ODF status,” Dr. Musundi said.
He acknowledged the support of WASH Alliance Kenya and praised Community Health Promoters for conducting door-to-door campaigns despite resistance in some areas.
Chiefs, elders and National Government Administration officers were also recognized for backing Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) activities.
Local residents, led by Anne Wanjala and Alfred Ekasete, expressed gratitude to public health officials.
“We were encouraged to dig toilets, use water and soap after visiting the toilet, and adopt better hygiene practices. This has changed our lives,” said Wanjala.
Ekasete added that the achievement would inspire neighbouring communities to improve sanitation and reduce disease.
The villages declared ODF are Kapkai, Mutua-Milimani, Bondeni, Katukumwok, Zuberi B, Tonyoto West, Tonyoto East, Mayanja, Sirende A, Sirende B and Asega B.
