Clean Water Kenya Project #73264

8 Essential Eco Toilets For Kenya Children's Home

by Too Little Children

Project Report | Jul 10, 2026
Sustainable Sanitation for Children in Kenya

By Caroline Kouns | Operations Manager

Existing pit toilets

We are pleased to announce the successful installation of the first two eco-toilets at the children’s home. This milestone marks the beginning of a transformative shift in our facility’s waste management and agricultural sustainability. With your continued support, we are working toward our goal of installing a total of eight units to provide full coverage for our home.

Recent Accomplishments

Successful Installation: Two eco-friendly, waterless toilets have been completed and are ready for daily operation.
Infrastructure Improvement: These units replace the traditional, high-maintenance pit latrines that have historically caused health and financial strain on the home.

Strategic Benefits

The transition to an eco-toilet system serves three primary objectives for the home:

Agricultural Sustainability: These units are designed to safely convert human waste into nutrient-rich compost. By utilizing this organic fertilizer, we will eliminate the recurring monthly costs currently required to purchase synthetic fertilizers for our crops.
Economic Relief: Historically, the home has faced consistent expenses for hiring specialized services to empty overflowing pit latrines. As we scale the project and install all eight units, we will be able to decommission these problematic pits entirely, permanently removing that financial burden.
Improved Health and Hygiene: Providing modern, sustainable sanitation facilities significantly improves the living standards and health outcomes for the children, ensuring a cleaner environment for everyone at the home.

Looking Ahead

We are still looking to expand the project to install the remaining six units. Once the full project is complete, the home will operate with a closed-loop system—transforming waste into a resource that feeds our crops and preserves our budget for essential care.

Thank you for your partnership in creating a healthier, more sustainable future for these children.

New Toilets Ready For Installation

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Mar 16, 2026
Work Begins On The First Eco-Toilet

By Caroline Kouns | Operations Manager

We're pleased to report that the initial construction phase has begun! Our team has successfully transitioned from planning to the core structural installation. Key milestones completed include:

Substructure Completion: The primary cement pit designated for humanure (solid waste) collection has been fully cast and sealed. This chamber is designed to be watertight to prevent environmental contamination.
Seperation System: We have installed the specilized pipework designed to seperate liquid and solid waste at the source. This is a critical step in reducing odor and facilitating the specific treatment processes of each waste type.

Liquid Waste Management:

Neutralization Tank: A dedicated treatment area has been established where wood ash is added to the diverted urine. This process neutralizes the acidity and prepares the liquid for safe disposal.
Integration: The neutralized liquid now flows into an existing soak pit, which already managed grey water from the home's washrooms, ensuring a streamlined drainage system.

Solid Waste Aeration & Treatment:

Enzyme Application: We have introduced specialized enzymes to the chamber to accelerate the decomposition process.
Ventilation Infrastructure: New pipework has been integrated into the chamber, topped with a manual fan system. This creates a continuous updraft drawing moisture away from the solids to maintain an aerobic environment.

Impact and Sustainability

Unlike traditional pit latrines, which can contaminate the water table and require frequent digging of new pits, this system is permanent and regenerative. By seperating waste and managing airflow, we are creating a system that is:
Hygienic: Reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.
Odor-Free: Using aerobic decomposition to eliminate the typical smell of pit latrines.
Eco-Friendly: Preparing the foundation for future use of treated waste as organic fertilizer for the home's vegetable garden.

Next Steps

With the underground and internal plumbing infrastructure complete, our next phase involves:

Constructing the privacy superstructure (walls, doors and roofing).
Installing the final toilet fixtures.
Training the Jemo House staff and children on the proper use and maintenance of the new system.

Links:

Sanitiwise Technologies Eco Toilets

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