Maji na Ufanisi, a non-governmental organization (NGO) focused on improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mandera County in Kenya.
The MOU resulted from discussions held in Nairobi to establish a joint venture to improve WASH conditions in the County.
Mandera County, located in the North-Eastern region of Kenya, has a population of over one million people and covers an area of 25,991.5 square kilometers. The County shares international borders with Ethiopia and Somalia and borders Wajir County to the South and South West. The County has received Kshs 55.2 billion from various revenue sources, most of which comes from land rents and single business permits.
Despite the revenue generated, the County faces various challenges, including high levels of unemployment, increased crime, and poor sanitation, hygiene, and personal health. The WASH situation in the County is deplorable, especially in public places such as markets, bus parks, slaughterhouses, and some public schools.
To address these challenges, Maji na Ufanisi will rapidly assess the WASH situation in Mandera County and establish potential sites where sanitation facilities can be constructed or rehabilitated.
The NGO will work closely with relevant County Government Departments to ensure a multi-sectoral approach to improving WASH conditions.
The signing of the MOU marks the beginning of a cordial working relationship between Maji na Ufanisi and Mandera County. The parties look forward to exploring other modes of engagement to improve WASH conditions in the County.
