In response to the pressing need for clean water in Mathare slums, a series of targeted actions were undertaken. First, a gender-disaggregated survey was conducted to gain insights into the specific water requirements and challenges faced by women in the community. This survey laid the foundation for involving women in the planning and decision-making processes for selecting and implementing water sources and infrastructure. This was followed by establishment of dedicated water committees with active participation from women.
Efforts to enhance sanitation and hygiene practices in Mathare were multifaceted. The construction of two sanitation blocks was initiated—one for the community and another for a local school. This has resolved the issue of shared toilets and addressed the safety concerns of schoolchildren, particularly girls. Awareness campaigns tailored to the specific needs and preferences of women were conducted, promoting better sanitation and hygiene habits. Additionally, women were trained as community hygiene promoters, equipped to spread knowledge and drive behavioral change within their households and the broader community. These initiatives ensured that women had access to gender-friendly sanitation facilities, including separate toilets and communal bathrooms, preserving their privacy, safety, and dignity.
Recognizing the undue burden placed on women in water collection and management, comprehensive actions were taken. Thirty-two community water kiosks were constructed, and a 26-kilometer pipeline was laid throughout Mathare. This infrastructure shortened the distances women had to travel to fetch water and reduced the time spent. Importantly, the development of these water supply systems took into account the input of women, aligning with their schedules and preferences.
The Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company implemented a Prepaid (token) metering system, wherein water was priced at 50 cents, significantly lower than the previous rate of 10 Kenyan Shillings. This initiative resulted in notable economic empowerment for women, as it led to a reduction in their expenses and an increase in their savings. Furthermore, the introduction of prepaid meters contributed to a substantial decrease in water losses, particularly in a context where water is a scarce resource. This reduction in non-revenue water losses also translated into increased revenue for the company. Additionally, the water officials disseminated practical advice to a female farmer on minimizing water loss through the effective utilization of drip irrigation techniques.
Empowering women through skill development and income generation was a key aspect of the intervention. Women participated in training programs covering water and sanitation management, construction, maintenance, and repair, enabling them to actively contribute to improving water and sanitation systems. Simultaneously, women's entrepreneurship initiatives were established, particularly for water and sanitation, including the construction of water kiosks. Facilitating access to microfinance and specialized loans designed for women was instrumental in overcoming financial barriers, particularly the steep Ksh 5000 connection fee, enabling women to access essential water connections.
To ensure that women had a meaningful role in decision-making processes, capacity-building workshops and training sessions were organized. Both men and women in the Mathare community benefited from these sessions, which covered leadership, operation and maintenance, negotiation, and advocacy skills. These initiatives aimed to increase women's representation and participation in various committees, including lane, cluster, and oversight committees, as well as community meetings, fostering a more inclusive and empowered community.