Breaking the Cycle of Open Defecation: How Issakora, Meygag, and Dakabur Villages of Mandera County Achieved Total Sanitation

A Community’s Struggle with Open Defecation –

For decades, residents of Issakora, Meygag, and Dakabur villages in Mandera County, Kenya, faced a persistent challenge—lack of sanitation facilities. Open defecation was the norm, with waste contaminating water sources, spreading diseases, and affecting livelihoods. Women and children bore the greatest burden of these conditions. Frequent diarrhea, cholera outbreaks, and other hygiene-related illnesses strained already limited household incomes, as families were forced to spend money on medical treatments instead of food, education, or development.

Maryam Hassan, a mother from Issakora, recalls how sanitation-related diseases plagued her family. “Our children were constantly sick. We didn’t connect it to open defecation at first,” she explains. “We thought it was bad luck or just normal.”

The process began with triggering sessions—interactive community discussions and demonstrations that showed how human waste contaminates food and water. The shocking realization ignited immediate action. When villagers saw how flies moved from feces to their drinking water, they were horrified. It was a wake-up call. As Habiba Abdullahi from Meygag explains, “When we saw the reality, we felt ashamed and scared. That was the turning point—we knew we had to act.”

Once communities understood the direct link between open defecation and disease, they made a collective decision to build or share latrines to ensure universal sanitation coverage. Families used locally available materials to construct toilets, while health officials and community leaders provided education and follow-up visits to ensure the new sanitation practices were sustained.

Impact: How CLTS Transformed the Three Villages

Issakora Village saw a remarkable transformation. At the time of the triggering exercise, only two out of 56 households had access to latrines. By the time of the celebration, this number had increased to 26 latrines, ensuring that all 56 households—approximately 336 people—had access to proper sanitation, either through their own facilities or shared usage with neighbors.

Meygag Village followed a similar path. Initially, only five out of 30 households had latrines. However, with community-driven efforts, the number rose to 20 latrines, successfully providing sanitation coverage for all 30 households, benefiting approximately 180 people.

Dakabur Village, which had no latrines before CLTS, experienced one of the most significant shifts. By the time of the celebration, 32 latrines had been constructed, serving all 78 households—approximately 468 people. Although not every household has an individual toilet, shared facilities have ensured full sanitation coverage.

For residents, the impact has been life-changing. Fatuma Ahmed from Issakora describes how the community once dismissed the importance of toilets. “At first, it seemed impossible,” she says. “But once one family built a latrine, others followed. Now, no one in our village defecates outside anymore.”

Mohamed Abdi, an elder from Meygag, notes the immediate health benefits. “I used to suffer from stomach illnesses all the time. Since we built latrines, sickness in our village has reduced drastically.”

Halima Hussein from Dakabur highlights the shift in community pride. “Before, we were ashamed when visitors came. Now, our village is clean. Our children are safe. We feel proud.”

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Implementing CLTS was not without its obstacles. Changing long-standing behaviors takes time, and some villagers initially resisted the idea of latrines. Some believed that open defecation had no real health consequences, while others struggled to find resources to build proper facilities. Families with limited financial means relied on support from neighbors, sharing toilets to ensure that no household was left behind.

Despite these challenges, several key lessons emerged. Community ownership was the most critical factor in the program’s success. When people take responsibility for their own sanitation, change is sustainable. Natural Leaders—community members who took the lead in building latrines and advocating for hygiene—played a crucial role in inspiring others. Consistent follow-up visits from public health officers ensured that new sanitation behaviors became permanent.

Scaling Up CLTS Across Mandera

The success of CLTS in these villages has inspired a broader commitment to sanitation across Mandera County. Dr. Hassan Ibrahim, Director of Public Health, Mandera County, praised the initiative, emphasizing the need for continued investment.

“Sanitation is not just about toilets—it’s about health, dignity, and quality of life. The transformation in these villages proves that behavior change is possible. Mandera County is committed to expanding CLTS to ensure every community achieves total sanitation.”

Government efforts are now focused on scaling up CLTS to reach more villages, ensuring that sanitation improvements are sustained and extended to other vulnerable communities.

The Road Ahead: Ensuring Lasting Impact

The success of CLTS in Issakora, Meygag, and Dakabur is just the beginning. Sustaining these achievements requires continued community engagement, education, and investment. RACIDA, in partnership with Concern Worldwide and Irish Aid, aims to expand CLTS to more villages in Mandera and neighboring counties. Strengthening post-CLTS monitoring will ensure that latrines remain in use, while additional hygiene education programs will reinforce the importance of proper sanitation.

Fatuma Noor, a proud CLTS champion, reflects on how far her village has come. “We started with no toilets. Today, we are celebrating a clean, healthy community. Tomorrow, we will help others do the same.”

Conclusion: A Story of Change and Hope

The journey from open defecation to total sanitation is a powerful testament to what communities can achieve when empowered with knowledge and support. As Issakora, Meygag, and Dakabur villagers celebrate this milestone, their story serves as a beacon of hope—a reminder that lasting change starts from within.

The transformation of these villages is not just about sanitation; it is about dignity, safety, and health. With continued collaboration, more communities can break free from the cycle of disease and poverty, ensuring that future generations grow up in healthier, more resilient environments.

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