Marungu, Kenya: The Taita Taveta County Department of Health Services hosted World Toilet Day Yesterday, Thursday, November 30, 2023. The Event was held in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross and Wild Life Works at Msharinyi Primary School in Marungu Ward, Voi Sub County.
Reportedly, the Event was initially scheduled for November 19, was rescheduled to November 30, 2023. Several delegations, including the County executive committee member chief of the Marungu County ward among the local community, attended the Event
The Event aimed to underscore the importance of universal access to safely managed sanitation for good health and environmental protection.
This year’s theme is “Accelerating Change by Doing Whatever You Can.”
Gifton Mkaya, CECM in charge of health services, highlighted the significance of proper toilet usage, cautioning against using open spaces due to environmental damage and the risk of wildlife encounters.
CECM Mkaya emphasized the role of toilets in improving community health, urging proper disposal methods to prevent waterborne diseases.
“Many diseases arise because we don’t use toilets properly. For this year’s theme, we’re advocating for accelerating the shift from using forests to using toilets in our county. Although we haven’t reached 100% toilet coverage in every household yet, we’re currently at 90%, with 10% of the population still lacking access,” he stated.
There’s a need for increased awareness, especially in areas like Miasenyi, where only 303 out of 398 households have toilets.
Chief Peter Ranji of Marungu Location acknowledged and committed to addressing the challenges. He announced plans in collaboration with the CHPS (Community Health Promoters) to conduct outreach in Msharinyi, ensuring everyone can access sanitation facilities.
Assistant Chief Mohammed Mwambingu of Miasenyi Sub-location urged health checks on local hotels to ensure compliance with sanitation standards.
The Event saw the presence of Charles Mwadeghu, Ward Administrator Maungu, John Mdzomba, MCA Representative, John Mwangeka, County Public Health Officer, and Miriam Wakesho, County Wash/CLTS Coordinator.
The local community is called upon to join hands in promoting proper sanitation practices, recognizing toilets’ vital role in safeguarding health and the environment.
On World Toilet Day, sanitation and public health stakeholders come together to raise awareness. They educate communities about maintaining cleanliness and sanitization. Some communities may not have access to well-built toilets. They is designated to urge the government to take effective measures to rectify the situation.
Many communities across rural areas still prefer to use open toilets, which can lead to many health issues. The major aim of the initiative is to educate people on the various problems that can arise out of unsanitary practices.