Machakos Meeting Advances National Standards for Water, Sanitation in Health Facilities

By Issa Hussein - Reporter

Kenya, May 31, 2026 - Kenya has moved a step closer to establishing national standards for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in healthcare facilities following the conclusion of a regional stakeholders’ consultation in Machakos.

The two-day validation workshop, organised under the Kenya Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Programme, brought together health professionals, engineers, technical experts and county government representatives to review and refine proposed infrastructure standards for healthcare facilities.

Participants examined designs intended to guide the provision of safe water, sanitation and hygiene services across hospitals and health centres, with discussions focusing on ensuring the standards are practical, sustainable and adaptable to diverse settings.

“The proposed standards must be resilient, climate-responsive and suitable for both rural and urban healthcare facilities,” stakeholders noted during the technical review sessions.

Delegates also held detailed discussions on implementation strategies, financing mechanisms, and operation and maintenance frameworks required to ensure the standards can be effectively rolled out across the country.

According to organisers, the consultation provided an opportunity for county representatives and sector experts to contribute local perspectives and recommendations that will strengthen the final framework.

“The workshop focused on translating the standards from policy into real, functional healthcare infrastructure that improves service delivery and patient safety,” the programme said in a statement after the meeting.

More from Kenya

Malnutrition Cases Rise in Mandera North as Dozens of Children Admitted to Hospital

ODM Signals Long-Term Stay in Government, Pushes for Greater Political Influence

The consultation further examined physical infrastructure requirements for WASH systems in healthcare facilities, including measures aimed at strengthening infection prevention and control.

Officials said the completion of the Cluster Two consultation represents another milestone in the nationwide validation process and efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure.

“The successful conclusion of the Cluster Two consultation marks another significant step toward strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system and advancing universal access to safe, hygienic and dignified healthcare environments,” the statement said.

The technical steering committee is expected to proceed with Cluster Three consultations next week as the country continues validating the proposed standards.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve public health outcomes, enhance infection prevention and control systems, and support the attainment of Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.