Improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene in informal settlements

By Christine Wambui and Michelle Koyaro

Water is a fundamental human need essential for drinking, cooking, cleaning and sanitation. However, the access to safe water remains a significant challenge in many informal settlements in Kenya. In Nairobi county, around 60% of urban dwellers live in the informal settlements according to World Bank, 2022. Consequently, these informal settlements are characterized by poor access and inadequacy to basic services including sanitation, healthcare, road networks, education, and housing. The lack of these basic services exposes the residents to increased vulnerability thus posing a risk to their physical and mental health. Additionally, they are exposed to climate related disasters that further exacerbate the impacts to the lack of these basic services.

Ensuring water quality in informal settlements is critical to improving health outcomes and overall quality of life for the residents. In partnership with Aquaya Institute, Shack Dwellers International Kenya (SDI-K) and Muungano wa Wanavijiji conducted a one-month data collection for the URBAN WASH program funded by USAID. The data collection aided in identifying knowledge gaps and challenges affecting water safety within five informal settlements including but not limited to: Mathare (Hospital ward, Mabatini, Mlango Kubwa), Kiambiu, Mukuru (Kwa Ruben, Njenga, Viwandani), Kibera (Silanga, Laini Saba, Lindi) and Kawangware (Muslim, Madiaba, Kabiro). The data collection sought to determine how water safety can be improved among small scale suppliers serving the poorest households within the urban areas and come up with best practices for improving water safety including institutional arrangements, incentives, enforcement, and monitoring.

Informal settlements suffer the most when it comes to service delivery because of their incapable nature of acquiring the services due to either price or quality. It is worthy to note that residents within the informal settlements often rely on water vendors to supply water to them; in other areas, they seek alternative sources of water such as boreholes, water kiosks and water boozers. Inadequate water in these communities has created opportunities for water vendors to sell water and deliver it to residents with their exorbitant prices. Consequently, the water infrastructure is very poor in that the existing pipelines are frequently old, damaged and illegally tapped. The aging and corroded water pipes contribute to contamination, allowing sewage to seep into the water system. The plastic material used in these pipes deteriorates rapidly, causing leaks and subsequently, an odor resembling sewerage in the water. Other residents mentioned that the pipes are composed of metallic materials that contributes to rust, negatively impacting the water quality. Beyond the insufficient access to clean water, residents also raised concerns about the cleanliness of water storage tanks and the potential health hazards stemming from prolonged water storage.

Community members within the various informal settlements highlighted when the tap water is available, it exhibits a sewer-like odor and therefore raises concerns about the quality of water they have access to. Clean water accessibility remains challenging in both settlements, with concerns over water sources and white substances appearing when chlorine is not added. The tap water has therefore posed a health hazard to children particularly who consume water direct from the tap and are at a heightened risk of contracting waterborne diseases and chronic health conditions/implications as a result of long-term exposure to polluted water. Among the vulnerable groups, children came out as the most impacted in regards to the consumption of unsafe water with diarrhea being one of the leading causes of health implications amongst them. Many families opt to purchase water to safeguard their health. For instance, some residents purchase a jerrican of water for Ksh. 30 and use 10-15 jerrican tins for domestic work, while others pay Ksh. 250 per week for water delivery. Some residents have also resorted to boiling water for drinking and cooking. Community health promoters are actively distributing water purification tablets i.e. Aqua tabs and water guard, fostering awareness about water purification methods in the absence of these resources.

Additionally, water shortage came out as a major concern other than the quality of water. Residents noted frequent water rationing, leading to limited availability: two to three days a week from Nairobi Water and Sewerage company. This has resulted in challenges especially for the larger households as the limited water supply is incapable of sustaining them throughout the work. Water scarcity predominantly affects women, who are the main dependents and are vulnerable to the climate change impacts exacerbating water-related challenges.

Community members further gave their insights on how water quality and scarcity can be improved within their informal settlements. Investing in water infrastructure came out as a crucial concern, as community members expressed the need for constructing new pipelines, reviving and repairing the existing community managed water points. Moreover, there needs to be community sensitization on basic water safety methods and the use of innovative solutions to improve the quality of water. Thirdly, lobbying for strict regulations on proper industrial, solid and liquid waste disposal to curb pollution and contamination of water would help create strong policies and foster effective advocacy which is needed to prioritize water quality in informal settlement.

In conclusion, improving water quality in informal settlements is a complex yet essential task that requires a multifaceted approach. Addressing infrastructure deficiencies, educating communities, investing in innovative solutions and advocating for implementation of existing and new policies can make significant change towards ensuring that every individual regardless of where they live has access to clean and safe water. This will not only enhance health outcomes but also contributes to overall development and well-being of informal settlements.