The Power of Scaling Inclusion in Kenya’s WASH Sector
In Kenya, access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is more than a matter of convenience—it is a matter of survival, dignity, and opportunity. While the government and NGOs have invested heavily in building toilets, boreholes, and water systems, the real challenge has often been sustainability. Too many projects collapse once the initial funding ends, leaving communities to struggle once again.
The BogoBogo WASH model offers a new way forward. At its heart is Scaling Inclusion: an approach that ensures no one is left behind by embedding community ownership, inclusive design, and financial sustainability into every project. By shifting from infrastructure delivery to inclusive governance and collective responsibility, BogoBogo has demonstrated that sanitation and hygiene systems can last and transform entire communities.
This article explores how Scaling Inclusion through BogoBogo’s WASH model is reshaping Kenya’s approach to sanitation and what it means for the country’s future.
Also read:Inside Mombasa’s New Inclusive WASH Facility: A Step Toward Dignity for All
Understanding Inclusive Sanitation in the Kenyan Context
Why Inclusivity Matters in Sanitation
Sanitation is not only about toilets; it is about dignity, safety, and health. Inclusive sanitation ensures that every community member—children, women, men, the elderly, and persons with disabilities—can access facilities that meet their specific needs.
In Kenya, where rural and peri-urban communities often face inadequate sanitation infrastructure, inclusivity ensures that:
- Girls can attend school during menstruation without stigma.
- Persons with disabilities can use facilities without barriers.
- Elderly community members have safe and accessible options.
The Principles of Inclusive Sanitation
- Accessibility: Ramps, handrails, and user-friendly designs.
- Safety: Adequate lighting, privacy locks, and gender-segregated facilities.
- Affordability: Low-cost maintenance models accessible to all households.
- Participation: Inclusion of diverse voices in planning and management.
What Sets the BogoBogo WASH Model Apart
A Blueprint Built on Participation
Unlike many top-down approaches, the BogoBogo WASH model began with community consultations. Local leaders, women, youth, and marginalized groups all contributed ideas. This co-creation process ensured the facilities met cultural expectations and practical realities.
Sustainability Through Community Ownership
Once the sanitation facilities were built, BogoBogo didn’t walk away. Instead, they:
- Established local management committees.
- Introduced small, fair user fees to fund cleaning and repairs.
- Trained community members in facility maintenance and financial management.
This transfer of responsibility transformed the facilities into community-owned inclusive sanitation hubs, ensuring they remain functional.
Integration with Livelihoods
The model also includes income-generating services such as small kiosks, water vending, and eco-friendly waste recycling. This creates jobs and provides a steady revenue stream for maintenance, making the system self-sustaining.
The Impact of Scaling Inclusion in BogoBogo
Health Benefits
With improved inclusive sanitation, cases of waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhea have dropped significantly. Families save money on healthcare costs and children miss fewer school days.
Education and Gender Equality
Girls who once skipped school during their menstrual cycle now attend classes consistently, thanks to private and safe sanitation facilities with proper hygiene amenities. This is a powerful example of Scaling Inclusion in action.
Also read:The Impact of Menstrual Hygiene on School Attendance and Performance
Social Transformation
Community ownership fosters trust and cooperation. People feel proud of their facilities, and the inclusion of women and persons with disabilities in management has reduced stigma and increased social cohesion.
Challenges in Expanding Inclusive Sanitation
Financial Barriers
Not all communities can easily raise funds for maintenance. For Scaling Inclusion to succeed, innovative financing models—such as microfinance, government subsidies, and public-private partnerships—are needed.
Cultural Norms and Resistance
In some regions, discussing sanitation is taboo. Engaging respected community leaders and using culturally sensitive communication is essential to overcome resistance.
Climate Change and Infrastructure Resilience
Floods, droughts, and changing weather patterns threaten sanitation infrastructure. Scaling Inclusion requires climate-resilient designs and disaster preparedness.
Opportunities for Scaling Inclusion Across Kenya
Policy Alignment and Government Support
Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize universal sanitation. Integrating community ownership of inclusive sanitation into national policy can accelerate progress.
Leveraging Technology
Digital platforms can help communities track user fees, report maintenance issues, and connect with service providers, strengthening accountability.
Youth and Women as Drivers of Change
Youth bring energy and innovation, while women bring lived experiences of managing household sanitation. Empowering both groups ensures more effective community governance.
Replication Across Counties
The BogoBogo model is not just a local success—it is a blueprint that counties across Kenya can adopt to achieve Scaling Inclusion. By tailoring the model to local contexts, Kenya can move closer to universal access.
The Future of Inclusive Sanitation in Kenya
From Projects to Systems
The future lies not in building more facilities alone, but in building systems of community ownership that can manage and sustain them.
From Donor Dependency to Self-Sufficiency
By embedding revenue generation and local governance, communities can break free from reliance on external aid.
From Exclusion to Inclusion
Through Scaling Inclusion, Kenya can ensure that no one—regardless of age, gender, or ability—is left behind in accessing safe and dignified sanitation.
Wrap Up: Why Scaling Inclusion Matters for Kenya’s Future
BogoBogo’s inclusive sanitation model proves that sustainable development is not about how much infrastructure is built, but about who owns it and how it is maintained. By focusing on Scaling Inclusion, Kenya can build resilient, community-driven sanitation systems that outlast donor funding, improve public health, empower women, and strengthen social cohesion.
As Kenya looks toward a future of universal access to water and sanitation, the BogoBogo model offers a clear path: put communities at the center, design inclusively, and prioritize sustainability over short-term fixes. This is what true progress looks like.
FAQs on Scaling Inclusion and BogoBogo’s WASH Model
1. What is meant by Scaling Inclusion in sanitation?
Scaling Inclusion means expanding inclusive sanitation models across regions to ensure everyone—men, women, children, and persons with disabilities—benefits equally.
2. Why is the BogoBogo WASH model significant for Kenya?
It demonstrates that community ownership combined with inclusive design leads to long-term sustainability.
3. How does community ownership support sustainability?
It ensures facilities are maintained, funded, and protected by the very people who use them daily.
4. What makes sanitation “inclusive”?
Features like ramps, handrails, child-friendly toilets, and menstrual hygiene facilities ensure access for all.
5. How does Scaling Inclusion improve health?
It reduces waterborne diseases, prevents open defecation, and promotes better hygiene practices.
6. What role do women play in inclusive sanitation?
Women lead management committees, advocate for menstrual hygiene needs, and ensure facilities are safe for children.
7. How does inclusive sanitation support education in Kenya?
By providing private, clean toilets for girls, it reduces absenteeism and dropout rates during menstruation.
8. What challenges exist in scaling the BogoBogo model?
Cultural stigma, financial constraints, and leadership conflicts can hinder community ownership.
9. Can inclusive sanitation contribute to economic growth?
Yes—through job creation, small businesses, and savings from reduced healthcare costs.
10. How can I support Scaling Inclusion in Kenya?
You can donate, advocate for inclusive sanitation policies, partner with NGOs like Maji na Ufanisi, or volunteer in community programs.
