MUST Hosts Africa 2024 WASH Virtual Regional Workshop

Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) through the Sanitation Research Institute (SRI), is once again setting the pace for transformative, impactful education and action in the world of Sanitation. Led by Dr. Joy Riungu, a renowned sanitation ambassador and Director of the Sanitation Research Institute, MUST is hosting the Africa 2024 WASH Virtual Regional Workshop, a week-long event running from 11th to 15th November, 2024. This workshop, a collaborative effort supported by the German WASH Network – German Humanitarian Assistance, is part of a larger initiative aimed at building capacity in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) across regions, with a strong focus on Africa. Over 25 organizations, including the German Toilet Organization (GTO) and arche noVa, have joined forces to drive knowledge-sharing, foster partnerships and build skilled WASH professionals who will champion sanitation causes across the continent. Participants are from various countries in Africa – Kenya, Cameroon, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Nigeria, Niger and Somalia – bringing a diverse wealth of knowledge, perspectives and experiences to MUST’s virtual learning space

The event brings together international and regional WASH experts who share a common vision: a healthier, cleaner and more resilient future for all. Notable attendees include Alexandra Hoenhe of the German Toilet Organization, Lorenz Ewers from arche noVa and Shakilla Shah, a graduate student from Penn State University, each bringing their unique insights and expertise to the workshop. Joining Dr. Riungu from the MUST team are Caroline Karani, Dr. Lillian Mworia and Simon Mirara, all of whom have contributed significantly to advancing the WASH agenda in Kenya and beyond.

Officially opening the workshop, Prof. Simon Thuranira, Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic and Student Affairs, welcomed participants on behalf of MUST Vice-Chancellor Prof. Romanus Odhiambo. In his speech, Prof. Thuranira emphasized the University’s strategic position at the heart of Kenya and its role in uniting WASH actors from diverse regions. “This workshop has come at the right time,” he said, highlighting the pressing need for resilient WASH systems as part of MUST’s Climate Change and Climate Adaptation priority in the University’s Strategic Plan. He also expressed gratitude for German Humanitarian Assistance, which has been instrumental in supporting WASH capacity-building initiatives at MUST and for fostering collaborations that have provided hundreds of professionals with critical WASH skills.

At the heart of this monumental initiative is Dr. Joy Riungu, whose passion for sanitation advocacy has been nothing short of transformative. Her dedication to this cause is both personal and profound, driven by her recognition of sanitation as a fundamental human right and a key element of public health. Dr. Riungu and the entire SRI team have worked tirelessly to establish MUST as a beacon of innovation in sanitation education. Through her efforts, the Sanitation Research Institute has become a hub of expertise, producing graduates who are knowledgeable and deeply passionate about improving lives through WASH.

With 2.7 billion people worldwide still relying on on-site sanitation and nearly a billion practicing open defecation, Dr. Riungu stresses that WASH education is a lifeline. Dr. Riungu’s work has been vital in building capacity to address these urgent issues and has led to several collaborations, such as the German WASH Network’s support that has made it possible for hundreds of professionals to undergo specialized training in WASH.
MUST has risen to meet the demand for skilled professionals in WASH with a comprehensive range of programs under the Sanitation Research Institute. From one-week intensive courses for quick skill-building to a Bachelor’s degree in Sanitation and Waste Management, and even a Ph.D. program, MUST is committed to nurturing expertise at every level. Since 2020, over 180 students have enrolled in the Master of Science in Sanitation, with 60 having already graduated. Another 336 professionals have gained crucial WASH skills through short courses, strengthening the workforce in a field that is as urgent as it is complex. As participants log into the workshop from diverse regions across Africa, their collective knowledge and shared experiences paint a vivid picture of the challenges faced on the ground. Unplanned urban settlements, flood-prone communities and lack of trained WASH professionals underscore the need for accessible, high-quality education in this field. In response, MUST has not only developed its programs but has also cultivated strong local and international partnerships to amplify the impact.

The Africa 2024 WASH Virtual Regional Workshop is a testament to the commitment of organizations, institutions and individuals working together toward a common vision: a world where access to clean water, safe sanitation and essential hygiene facilities are available to everyone.
Dr. Stephen Karanja, MUST’s Registrar of Academic and Student Affairs, warmly recognized the significance of these partnerships. Reflecting on the impact of the WASH in Emergencies short course under this project, he celebrated the 104 trainees who have already gone on to contribute meaningfully in their respective communities. “Their dedication and that of our partners, exemplifies the strength of our network and the depth of our shared commitment to addressing sanitation issues,” he noted.

With a clear goal in mind, MUST has set its sights on becoming a pivotal partner in the Global WASH Cluster’s roadmap through 2025. As the only university in Kenya offering dedicated sanitation programs, the University has both the resources and the resolve to lead. By creating a conducive environment for learning and engagement, MUST is championing a movement to scale and localize humanitarian WASH, ensuring that the skills and knowledge cultivated here have real, lasting impact on the communities that need them most.

The Africa 2024 WASH Virtual Regional Workshop is a milestone in the journey towards a healthier, more resilient future. Through education, advocacy and unrelenting passion, leaders like Dr. Joy Riungu and her dedicated team at MUST are showing us that change is possible, one trained WASH professional at a time.
