In the heart of Embu County, Kenya, schools have long struggled with a challenge that often went unnoticed yet profoundly affected every child: poor sanitation. Dilapidated latrines, inadequate ventilation, and unsafe structures created unsanitary conditions that led to health problems, high absenteeism, and a daily fear among students of using the school facilities.
At Kaaginga Primary School, many children avoided attending class not because of academic difficulties, but because of the state of the latrines. The collapsing, foul-smelling structures were a constant source of anxiety, particularly during the rainy season when conditions worsened. The situation called for urgent change.
Recognizing the scale of this challenge, FINISH Mondial, in collaboration with Caritas Embu, partnered with the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the Public Health Department to transform the sanitation landscape of schools in Embu. The goal was not only to build new facilities but also to create safe, sustainable, and inclusive sanitation systems that would directly improve learning environments and student well-being.
The existing latrines were plagued with serious issues: unbearable odours from lack of ventilation, safety risks from poorly constructed pits, frequent absenteeism—particularly among girls—and the financial strain of constant repairs and rebuilds that drained public resources. Addressing these problems required durable, innovative solutions.
The results of the collaboration were transformational. New sanitation blocks were constructed with reinforced pit linings and ventilation pipes, ensuring safety and hygiene. Importantly, the facilities were designed to be inclusive, accommodating differently-abled students and fostering equity in education. With these improvements, absenteeism dropped as students returned to school with confidence, and resources previously spent on repairs could now be channelled into other educational needs.
For Kaaginga Primary, the change was immediate and visible. “The new latrines have transformed our school,” shared Headteacher Mr. Kinoti. “The improvements have made a huge difference in student attendance and the overall school environment. We are grateful for the support from FINISH and the skilled artisans they trained.” Parents echoed this sense of relief, with Annet Wanjira noting, “It’s reassuring to see our children using safe and well-maintained latrines. The involvement of local artisans trained by FINISH has been vital in making these improvements possible.”
This initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration and community-driven solutions. By addressing the root causes of poor sanitation, the partnership between FINISH Mondial, Caritas Embu, the CDF, and the Public Health Department has not only improved health outcomes and increased school attendance but also provided a sustainable model for development in the region.
Today, children in Kaaginga primary school can walk into their classrooms without fear, confident that their schools are safe and hygienic. What was once a daily struggle has now become a story of hope and progress , proof that when communities come together, the future can indeed be transformed.