Private Partnership Brings Climate-Resistant Toilets to Kenya's Largest Refugee Settlement
Kalobeyei, 15 April 2026
Fresh Life and local company Atoo Kakuma have formed a groundbreaking partnership to expand sanitation services in Kalobeyei settlement, home to thousands of refugees and host communities in Turkana County. The collaboration introduces pay-per-use urine diversion dry toilets designed to withstand harsh arid conditions whilst creating local employment opportunities. Already proving successful, the initiative has installed 57 toilets and generated income for over 280 local entrepreneurs and workers, transforming waste into eco-friendly fuel briquettes through an innovative circular economy model.
Long-Term Distribution Agreement Expands Sanitation Access
Fresh Life Sanitation Services Ltd and Atoo Kakuma Usafi Company Ltd have signed a long-term Distributorship Agreement to expand access to Urine Diversion Dry Toilets (UDDTs) across Turkana County, including Kakuma Refugee Camp [1]. The agreement was facilitated by Swisscontact under its Climate Proofing WASH Services programme, positioning Atoo Kakuma as a non-exclusive distributor of Fresh Life’s sanitation technology [1]. This partnership represents a significant shift from traditional aid models to market-based solutions that can sustain themselves commercially whilst addressing critical infrastructure gaps in refugee-hosting areas.
Local Enterprise Evolution
The collaboration validates the potential for local enterprises in challenging environments. Moses Eyaran, CEO of Atoo Kakuma Usafi Company, explained: “We began at a very small scale, and through Swisscontact’s support, our potential was recognised and strengthened, opening the door to a commercial partnership with Fresh Life that validates local enterprise in refugee-hosting contexts” [1]. Atoo Kakuma Usafi Company evolved from a small community youth initiative into a structured sanitation enterprise [1], demonstrating how targeted support can transform grassroots organisations into viable commercial partners.
Proven Impact and Employment Creation
The Climate Proofing WASH initiative has already demonstrated substantial results, installing 57 urine diversion dry toilets in Kakuma town [1]. The programme has created diverse income streams, engaging 37 local entrepreneurs in installation and servicing activities, employing 45 young people in briquette production and marketing, and generating income for over 200 women through biomass supply [1]. This creates a total of 282 individuals directly benefiting from employment opportunities through the initiative. Jimmy Delyon, Swisscontact Team Lead, noted: “What began as an ambition to introduce a private-sector-led sanitation model in Kakuma has now evolved into a proof point that sustainable, market-driven solutions can work in fragile and refugee-hosting contexts” [1].
Circular Economy Model for Waste Processing
The partnership incorporates an innovative waste management system that transforms human waste into valuable products. Waste from the toilets is transported by Kalobeyei Water and Sanitation Company to Sanivation Ltd for processing into eco-friendly briquettes [1]. This circular economy approach addresses two critical challenges simultaneously: safe waste disposal and alternative fuel production in a region where traditional biomass sources are scarce. The model is supported by Water Mission and Plan International Kenya, which help demonstrate the adaptability of sanitation infrastructure for arid environments [1]. Angela Nzioki, Fresh Life Head of Strategy, stated that the model offers a replicable pathway for other underserved regions [1], suggesting potential for scaling across similar contexts throughout East Africa.