In the remote villages of Remot and Naisunyai, located in Samburu’s vast, untamed lands, a deep-rooted myth has loomed over the community for decades. This tale, passed down by a mysterious Traveller, warned that digging pit latrines was similar to preparing graves. Once fiercely embraced, this belief paralyzed progress, leaving villagers without latrines and reliant on open defecation in the surrounding bushes.
Over the years, various interventions have attempted to challenge this narrative, but progress has been slow. However, in Naisunyai village, change is finally taking hold, led by determined individuals like Mrs. Lekumoisa and her family.
Mrs. Lekumoisa and her husband, who own a small shop, recently constructed one of the few permanent toilet structures in the village. Their journey wasn’t easy, but their determination demonstrates the power of consistent community engagement. “After the discussions and awareness sessions we’ve had over the past few months, we realized how essential it was to build a permanent toilet, not just for ourselves, but for our customers and the community,” Mrs. Lekumoisa explains, standing proudly beside her newly built latrine.

For a community that peacefully coexists with wildlife and uses the same open space for relief, the effects, such as contaminated water and recurrent illnesses, are severe. However, digging the pits marks a significant step forward in addressing these issues.
The decision to construct the latrine wasn’t without challenges. For Mrs. Lekumoisa and her husband, the cost was relatively expensive. Constructing a permanent toilet in Naisunyai village, with materials sourced from Isiolo Town, cost over 150,000 Kenyan shillings, equivalent to three cows on a good market day.
“It required a lot of effort to save up,” she says. “We set aside money for six months and finally built it one month ago. It’s worth it. I no longer have to walk long distances to relieve myself, leaving my shop unattended or delaying my chores. Now, I can manage my business, care for my baby, and use the toilet whenever needed.” The benefits of having a toilet extend far beyond convenience for Mrs. Lekumoisa. She highlights the health risks the community faces: “We’ve seen how open defecation contaminates our water from the small rivers. Our children especially would get sick.”
The new latrine also allows for proper solid waste disposal, representing a major shift for the community. “As a mother, it’s easier to dispose of my baby’s diapers safely. I can also dispose of my pads hygienically, without harming the environment.” Her words emphasize how this single structure makes life easier and safer, particularly for women and children, while setting an example for others in the community.
While most households in Naisunyai rely on locally available materials to construct makeshift toilets, Mrs. Lekumoisa and her Neighbour’s permanent structures serve as a beacon of possibility. Community members are slowly embracing this idea, inspired by the visible improvements in hygiene and convenience. “It’s not easy,” she admits, “but we hope to inspire others,” pointing to her immediate neighbour, who has begun digging a pit in preparation for construction.

The journey to dispel myths and improve sanitation in Naisunyai is ongoing. With the community’s collective efforts and the continued guidance of stakeholders, they are moving toward a future where sanitation is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. “We are pleased to see the community changing and becoming more accepting, as we are working to erode a deep-rooted culture. Now, they are open and sharing the challenges associated with the sanitation-led efforts,” says the Christopher Lekaitik, the Sub County Health Promotion Officer.

Over this period, we received notable support from the area chiefs of the two villages. “We continuously try to encourage the community, reminding them of the importance of having a toilet. They have come around,” says one of the chiefs. He also highlighted some of the challenges faced by community members, noting that the rocky ground makes it difficult to dig deeper, compounded by a lack of tools and expertise. He called for additional guidance.
For now, Mrs. Lekumoisa’s toilet stands as a symbol of change, a tangible step toward breaking free from the myth that once held her community captive. As the villagers’ rally behind their newfound momentum, they call for support to help every household achieve this life-changing transformation.
Let make samburu ODF free