The Sanitation Research Institute (SRI) at Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) continues to lead the charge in addressing Kenya’s pressing sanitation challenges. The Institute hosted a highly impactful dissemination workshop at Mukuru kwa Ruben slum in Nairobi as part of the Scaling up Offgrid Sanitation (SOS) Project, a three-year initiative in collaboration with Cranfield University in the United Kingdom. The workshop, spearheaded by Dr. Joy Riungu, Project Lead and Director of the Sanitation Research Institute (SRI), brought together key stakeholders, community leaders and residents to discuss the outcomes of extensive research conducted in Mukuru on sanitation issues. The aim was to develop and implement sustainable and viable solutions for the community.

MUST’s Commitment to Community-Led Solutions

The event was graced by the Vice-Chancellor of Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST), Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, whose presence underscored the University’s deep commitment to community-centered research and solutions. Prof. Odhiambo expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the residents of Mukuru kwa Ruben for their warm reception and active participation. He highlighted the University’s ongoing efforts to listen to and address community needs, with a special focus on waste management which is one of MUST’s most critical areas of research.
“Sanitation is a human problem that requires actionable solutions,” Prof. Odhiambo said. He praised the groundbreaking work of Dr. Joy Riungu and the SRI team, noting that the Institute was the first to be established at Meru University of Science and Technology, thanks to Dr. Riungu’s vision and global expertise in sanitation. The Vice-Chancellor was particularly fascinated by the innovative use of the Black Soldier Fly in faecal waste conversion, a technology that is revolutionizing waste management.

Prof. Odhiambo also took the opportunity to tour the slum and was impressed by the community’s efforts in waste collection and separation. He recognized the talent within Mukuru, particularly those involved in waste management logistics and announced that MUST is keen on developing a Certificate of Recognition of Prior Learning to formally acknowledge and benefit those with hands-on experience in such critical areas.

Empowering Mukuru Residents

Dr. Joy Riungu, humbled by the Vice-Chancellor’s support, emphasized the importance of collective effort in tackling sanitation challenges. “Every person must do their part, however small and together we can succeed,” she told the residents. Dr. Riungu first visited Mukuru in 2014, and since then, she has been committed to improving the living conditions in the slum. Her vision is that within the next two years, Mukuru will have access to clean toilets, water, and sewerage systems.
Carol Karani, a Nutrition and Public Health expert and lecturer at MUST, was the Research Lead on the project. She explained that the study was conducted in two parts: The Open Data Kit (ODK) and a participatory method known as Photo Voice. Photo Voice allowed residents to document their experiences and tell their own stories through photographs, giving them a powerful voice in the research process.

One of the standout figures from the community is Francis Mukiria, popularly known as “Future.” A resilient advocate and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Champion, Future has been instrumental in educating the community on sanitation issues. His outreach efforts through radio stations and forums have made him a prominent force within Mukuru.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Future Prospects

The workshop saw significant participation from various stakeholders who expressed their gratitude to MUST for bringing them together for such a noble cause.
Peter Khamisi, Regional Coordinator for the East African Region at the Pan African Association of non-sewer Sanitation Actors (PASA), stressed the need for community collaboration on sanitation issues, highlighting that health and safety must remain a priority.
Dr. Ivy Chumo from the Africa Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC) presented the study findings, which emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to improve sanitation, better management of toilets by residents and enhanced infrastructure support from both national and county governments.
PolyCarp Namiti from Freshlife Organisation expressed optimism about future collaborations and the lessons learned from the project. He praised Meru University of Science and Technology for its leadership and the signing of a significant MOU between Sanergy and Nairobi Water, marking a crucial step toward embracing non-sewered sanitation solutions.
Dr. Leunita Sumba, Chairperson of the Women in Water and Sanitation Association (WIWAS) and former CEO of the Kenya Water Institute (KEWI), applauded the efforts of all stakeholders, especially those actively working to improve sanitation.
Naomi Korir, a Senior Researcher at Sanivation, which produces eco-friendly charcoal from waste, left the audience with a powerful message: “It is our responsibility to create the Mukuru we want.”

A Bright Future for Mukuru

The residents of Mukuru kwa Ruben expressed their deep appreciation to Prof. Odhiambo and the entire Meru University of Science and Technology team for recognizing their efforts. Empowered by the knowledge shared during the workshop, they committed to becoming ambassadors of sanitation within their community, eager to continue the collaboration with MUST.
As Prof. Odhiambo aptly put it, “The future is bright.” The successful dissemination workshop marks another milestone in MUST’s mission to conduct research that not only advances academic knowledge but also directly benefits the communities it serves.