Community Takes the Lead to End Open Defecation
📍 Kapchok Ward, Kacheliba Subcounty – West Pokot County
Background
The Kodulem Community Unit in Kapchok Ward, Kacheliba Subcounty, is home to 13 villages with a total of 413 households. When the Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) project began in July 2025, a baseline survey revealed that only 12 households across 4 villages had latrines. This meant that nearly the entire community practiced open defecation — exposing residents to preventable diseases and unsafe living conditions.
To address this, the CLTS initiative was launched to empower the community to take charge of their own sanitation journey, aiming for 98–100% household latrine coverage and eventual Open Defecation Free (ODF) certification by January 2026.
About the CLTS Process
The CLTS model moves beyond traditional aid-based sanitation projects. Instead of constructing toilets for the community, it motivates households to build, own, and use their own latrines. The CLTS approach is a community empowerment model, encouraging self-driven behavior change rather than providing direct infrastructure.
August 2025 – Triggering
Triggering activities were conducted in all 13 villages, sparking strong community discussions and commitment. Residents were encouraged to take ownership of the sanitation challenge, using locally available materials to construct toilets. By the end of August, 48 households had successfully built and started using their own latrines — a significant improvement from the initial 12.
September 2025 – First Follow-Up
A follow-up assessment was carried out to evaluate progress since the triggering exercise. The team observed clear sanitation behavior changes — including increased toilet construction, adoption of hand washing practices, and improved hygiene awareness.
“We don’t give toilets — we inspire action,” says one of the field facilitators. “Once people understand the risks, they take the initiative to improve their environment.”
Latrine coverage progress so far:
(Left: Baseline July 2025, Right: After 1st Follow-up September 2025)
Special Visit
During the first follow-up phase, the General Secretary of Rotary Doctors Sweden (Charlotte Lundqvist) visited the Kodulem project to witness the progress firsthand. She interacted with community members and even demonstrated proper hygiene by using a locally made hand washing facility — a simple yet powerful symbol of change.
Community Innovation
Residents have embraced creativity in building toilets — using locally available materials such as logs, mud, and grass thatching.
Different stages of latrine construction have been documented to showcase the community’s dedication and ingenuity.
What’s Next?
The project will continue in phases, with regular monitoring and follow-up sessions to:
– Track the increase in household latrine coverage
– Monitor usage consistency and hygiene maintenance
– Prepare villages for verification and ODF certification.
Future updates will include:
- 📈 Number of new latrines constructed
- 🚻 Percentage of households using toilets consistently
- 🌍 ODF certification progress
Conclusion
Kodulem’s story is one of ownership, empowerment, and progress. From just 12 toilets to a community determined to reach 100% sanitation coverage, the transformation is a testament to what can happen when people unite around a common goal. The transformation is not only physical but also social — restoring dignity, health, and ownership.
“Kodulem is on track to prove that true transformation begins one household, one latrine, and one step at a time.“
🪴 Stay Updated
Follow our page for monthly updates and success stories from Kodulem and other community units working toward a cleaner, healthier West Pokot.
“We realized that real change would only come when the community itself takes the lead — constructing, owning, and using their own latrines,” said the project coordinator during the first community sensitization meeting.
Progress So Far
Since the project began, momentum is steadily building. Families have started digging pits, collecting materials, and constructing toilets using local resources. Public Health Officers (PHO), Community Health Assistants (CHAs) & Community Health Promoters (CHPs) continue to play a crucial role — mobilizing households, conducting follow-ups, and teaching best hygiene practices.
Target:
- Goal: 98–100% toilet coverage in all 413 households
- Next milestone: Community verification and ODF (Open Defecation Free) certification
July 2025 – Planning and Sensitization
(a) CLTS Stakeholders Meeting.
The project kicked off with planning meetings involving local leaders, health management team, Community Promoters, and community representatives.
(b) Community Sensitization
Sensitization sessions were held to explain the dangers of open defecation and the importance of collective action.
August 2025 – Triggering
Triggering activities were conducted in all 13 villages, sparking strong community discussions and commitment. Residents were encouraged to take ownership of the sanitation challenge, using locally available materials to construct toilets. By the end of August, 48 households had successfully built and started using their own latrines — a significant improvement from the initial 12.
September 2025 – First Follow-Up
A follow-up assessment was carried out to evaluate progress since the triggering exercise. The team observed clear sanitation behavior changes — including increased toilet construction, adoption of hand washing practices, and improved hygiene awareness.
“We don’t give toilets — we inspire action,” says one of the field facilitators. “Once people understand the risks, they take the initiative to improve their environment.”
Latrine coverage progress so far:
(Left: Baseline July 2025, Right: After 1st Follow-up September 2025)
Special Visit
During the first follow-up phase, the General Secretary of Rotary Doctors Sweden (Charlotte Lundqvist) visited the Kodulem project to witness the progress firsthand. She interacted with community members and even demonstrated proper hygiene by using a locally made hand washing facility — a simple yet powerful symbol of change.
Community Innovation
Residents have embraced creativity in building toilets — using locally available materials such as logs, mud, and grass thatching.
Different stages of latrine construction have been documented to showcase the community’s dedication and ingenuity.
What’s Next?
The project will continue in phases, with regular monitoring and follow-up sessions to:
– Track the increase in household latrine coverage
– Monitor usage consistency and hygiene maintenance
– Prepare villages for verification and ODF certification.
Future updates will include:
- 📈 Number of new latrines constructed
- 🚻 Percentage of households using toilets consistently
- 🌍 ODF certification progress
Conclusion
Kodulem’s story is one of ownership, empowerment, and progress. From just 12 toilets to a community determined to reach 100% sanitation coverage, the transformation is a testament to what can happen when people unite around a common goal. The transformation is not only physical but also social — restoring dignity, health, and ownership.
“Kodulem is on track to prove that true transformation begins one household, one latrine, and one step at a time.“
🪴 Stay Updated
Follow our page for monthly updates and success stories from Kodulem and other community units working toward a cleaner, healthier West Pokot.
