Assessing the Effects of COVID-19 on Access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in USAID High Priority and Strategy-Aligned Countries Country Deep Dive Report - Kenya

The country's WASH coverage was already a concern prior to the pandemic, with approximately 30% of the population lacking access to improved sanitation and 20% lacking access to improved water supply. The pandemic has exacerbated these issues, with many households struggling to access clean water and sanitation facilities. The Kenyan government's response to the pandemic has included measures to improve WASH access, such as increasing funding for WASH programs and implementing policies to promote handwashing and other hygiene practices. However, these efforts have been hindered by the economic shock caused by the pandemic, which has led to a decline in household incomes and a reduction in access to WASH services. A survey conducted by GeoPoll in August 2020 found that 45% of respondents reported difficulty accessing clean water, while 30% reported difficulty accessing sanitation facilities. The survey also found that 25% of respondents reported having to travel further to access WASH services, and 20% reported having to pay more for these services. The pandemic has also had a significant impact on the economy, with many households and businesses struggling to access credit and other financial services. A survey conducted by the Kenya | COVID-19 Economic Tracker found that 40% of enterprises reported operating at reduced capacity, and 30% reported having to lay off staff. The effects of the pandemic on WASH access in Kenya are likely to be long-lasting, and will require sustained efforts to address the underlying issues. The Kenyan government and other stakeholders will need to work together to improve WASH access, particularly in areas where the pandemic has had the greatest impact.