By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 4 June 2026 - For decades, many residents of Wajir have relied on the traditional bucket toilet system due to the county's unique geographical challenges.
That era is gradually coming to an end as the government pushes ahead with the construction of a modern Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP), a landmark project expected to transform sanitation services in the region.Water and Sanitation Secretary Eng. Samuel Alima on Wednesday inspected the ongoing construction of the facility, located about five kilometres from Wajir town.
The project, being implemented under the Water and Sanitation Development Program (WSDP) in partnership with Wajir Water and Sewerage Company (WAJIWASCO) and the World Bank, is designed to provide a safe and environmentally sustainable solution for waste management in the county.
According to the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, the facility is currently 64% complete.
Wajir's flat sandy terrain and high water table have historically made conventional pit latrines unsuitable, as they pose a risk of contaminating underground water sources. The new treatment plant is expected to address these challenges by safely processing human waste while protecting the environment and public health.
During the inspection, Eng. Alima urged the contractor and project consultant to accelerate construction works to ensure the facility is completed and commissioned on schedule.
The project is expected to significantly improve sanitation standards and public health outcomes in Wajir, where residents have depended on bucket-based sanitation systems for generations.
Meanwhile, Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation Julius Korir and Water Secretary Alima toured several water projects under the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Program (HoAGW4RP) in Wajir West Constituency.
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The officials inspected projects in Arbajahan, Adan Awale, Kobeysurur and Griftu, which are aimed at expanding access to clean and safe water in the drought-prone county.
The ministry said the projects have reached an overall implementation level of 19% and include borehole rehabilitation and solarisation, construction of water transmission and distribution pipelines, development of storage facilities, installation of water kiosks and livestock watering points, and establishment of water treatment facilities.
Once completed, the projects are expected to provide clean water to more than 63,000 residents and support over 500,000 livestock, boosting water security and livelihoods across the county.
Mr Korir called for better coordination of water projects being implemented under different government programmes to avoid duplication and maximise benefits to local communities.
He also directed project consultants to ensure all villages are connected to the water distribution network.
"No community should be left behind in accessing clean and safe water," the PS said during the inspection.
The government said the projects form part of broader efforts to strengthen climate resilience and accelerate socio-economic development in Kenya's arid and semi-arid lands through sustainable water infrastructure investments.