Rebuilding Dignity: How Sanitation Loans Transform Lives in Kenya

By Grace Okwisa, FINISH Mondial Kenya

Access to a latrine is a basic need, but it remains a challenge for some people, like Elizabeth. Recently, her situation took a positive turn with the help of a local savings and credit cooperative, BIMAS (SACCO).

“Saving enough to build a toilet seemed like a dream. I couldn’t afford to build one. Each year, I would construct a toilet, and it would collapse,” says Elizabeth while showing us the remains of her recently collapsed toilet.

For Elizabeth, the collapse of her toilets was a devastating blow. Before constructing a permanent latrine in her homestead, she built at least five toilets that collapsed over the past two years. Each collapse brought a host of challenges: the health risks associated with open defecation, the constant worry for her family’s safety, and the sheer frustration of lacking a basic facility.

Recognising the need, BIMAS SACCO and FINISH Mondial Kenya introduced a sanitation loan facility aimed at helping members improve their toilets. A loan officer visited her home and advised her on the type of toilet she could build. As a diligent member of the SACCO, she seized this opportunity and applied for a loan to construct a toilet.

“It was a blessing,” Elizabeth recalls with a grateful smile. “I never thought I could afford to build a toilet on my own. The SACCO not only provided financial support but also guided me through the entire process.”

Elizabeth learned about the FINISH Mondial latrine model through a Community Health Promoter (CHP), Mary, who passionately persuaded her to construct both a toilet and a bathroom.

With the loan approved, Elizabeth enlisted artisans trained by FINISH Mondial to build the toilet.

“I feel safer and healthier now,” Elizabeth says, her eyes gleaming with contentment. “And I owe it all to the SACCO and FINISH team.”