Impact assessment of water and hygiene projects in Africa

Kibera, widely recognised as the largest slum in Africa, is located in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. The settlement covers an area of 2.5 km² and is estimated to be home to nearly one million people. Access to washing facilities and basic hygiene is largely absent; residents often use makeshift pit latrines shielded by corrugated metal sheets, typically shared by around 300 people. Another common practice is the so-called “flying toilet”, whereby bags filled with human waste are discarded in the open.

In order to improve the situation, the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta constructed a sanitation centre in 2012 in the Kambi Muru area of Kibera, which was subsequently renovated between 2015 and 2016. The 50–60 m² facility provides safe drinking water, washing and bathing facilities, as well as hygienic toilets for residents of the segregated area. Beyond improving public health conditions, the centre also enhances employment prospects, as access to washing facilities enables individuals to maintain a more presentable appearance.

To better understand the impact of the facility on the local community, a comprehensive assessment was carried out between 2019 and 2021, the findings of which also serve as a foundation for future development interventions.