| dc.description.abstract | Water, sanitation, and hygiene remain among the most urgent development challenges in many
peri-urban communities across Kenya, where rapid population growth often outpaces the
provision of safe and dignified services. In Nchiru, Meru, this reality is felt in everyday life:
households, institutions, and vulnerable groups continue to navigate the consequences of
inadequate sanitation systems, limited waste management options, and persistent public health
risks. These pressures are not merely technical concerns; they shape human dignity,
environmental safety, and the overall quality of life within the community.
The Status of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Provision in a Peri-Urban Setting: A Case of Nchiru
Meru brings this challenge into sharp focus. Guided by the work of Meru University of Science
and Technology through the Sanitation Research Institute, the documentary highlights both the
scale of the problem and the urgency of practical, locally grounded solutions. At the center of
this conversation is an innovative response with transformative potential: the use of Black
Soldier Fly technology to convert fecal waste into usable resources. This approach reimagines
waste not as an inevitable burden, but as an opportunity for resource recovery, environmental
protection, and improved community wellbeing.
More than a reflection on current gaps, this work is a call to rethink sanitation in peri-urban
spaces through innovation, resilience, and research-driven action. It challenges policymakers,
practitioners, and communities to move beyond temporary fixes and invest in systems that are
sustainable, inclusive, and responsive to local realities. In telling the story of Nchiru, the project
opens a wider conversation about the future of WASH in Kenya and demonstrates that with bold
ideas and committed partnerships, even the most persistent sanitation challenges can become
pathways to lasting change. | en_US |
