Strengthening the enabling environment for urban sanitation: public-private collaboration in Kisumu, Kenya

Collaboration between public and private actors is crucial for the successful delivery of safe, affordable and sustainable sanitation services in rapidly urbanising contexts. In Kisumu, Kenya, WSUP has been working with County government bodies and sanitation businesses to strengthen the enabling environment for urban faecal sludge management: the supporting regulatory, financial and institutional framework that encourages private sector participation and customer-focused service delivery. Bringing together the County Public Health Office, the city’s utility (Kisumu Water and Sewerage Company – KIWASCO), and a sanitation business (Gasia Poa Waste Management Services), this partnership model balances the strengths of each stakeholder in order to improve the market for on-site sanitation services and products in the city. This paper explains how this approach was developed, its appeal to stakeholders, how programme activities are contributing to the strengthening FSM sector, and the next steps for the sector in Kisumu – and Kenya.