Jig and dance as Uasin Gishu achieves 99 percent toilet coverage

Hygiene practices are high in Uasin Gishu County with very small portion of residents without toilets and latrines.

Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea has noted that County's latrine coverage stands at an impressive 99 percent in the region.

The shortfall is a paltry 0.5pc, meaning that the county has an almost complete latrine coverage.

Approximately 1,000 households are said to be still practicing open defecation. 

The Deputy Governor spoke in Langas Ward during the commemoration of World Toilet Day where he noted that diarrhoea cases have significantly reduced due to the persistent health messaging delivered by the County Health Promoters and Public Health Officers. 

"There has been a 13 percent reduction in waterborne disease cases, dropping from 29 percent to 16 percent in our county a clear indication of the impact of our interventions," said Mr Kapkea.

DG Kapkea also said that through collaborative efforts with the partners, they have continued to improve sanitation infrastructure.

"As part of the slum upgrade program, we are constructing additional modern toilets, which will significantly benefit residents upon completion. Similarly the ongoing community awareness campaigns have empowered families to adopt hygienic practices, such as proper waste disposal and regular handwashing," added Mr Kapkea.

The DG reaffirmed Governor Jonathan Bii's administration commitment to making the toilet not just a place for peace, but a cornerstone of health and well-being adding that “Prevention is better than cure,” and this principle remains at the heart of the Governor’s strategy.

County Executive in charge of Health Services Dr Abraham Serem emphasized that hospitals play a key role in linking patients with water-related illnesses, such as cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, and typhoid therefore the need to enhance sanitation issues to prevent the spread of such illnesses. 

He also called on members of the public to enroll to Social Health Authority (SHA) to benefit from free medical services.

Promotive and Preventive Health Chief Officer Dr Paul Wangwe on his part urged the residents to put up toilets in all the homesteads inorder to avoid open defecation, which poses health risks.

This year’s theme, “Toilet: A Place for Peace,” reminds the public of the essential benefits toilets bring to both urban and rural communities in promoting dignity, safety, and good health while reducing conflict, and improving quality of life.