In collaboration, the USAID Western Kenya Sanitation Project (USAID WKSP) and USAID 4TheChild have come together to enhance health and sanitation in Western Kenya, focusing on the counties of Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Kisumu, and Siaya. With USAID WKSP running from 2022 to 2027, and USAID 4TheChild operating from 2021 to 2026, these initiatives are working to make a lasting impact on vulnerable communities.
USAID WKSP is committed to building a sustainable sanitation and Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) marketplace. At the same time, USAID 4TheChild focuses on improving health services for orphans, vulnerable children, adolescent girls, and young women (AGYW). Together, these projects aim to address critical health challenges through targeted, collaborative efforts.
This partnership includes capacity building. USAID WKSP and USAID 4TheChild provided training to the staff of the DREAMS project implemented by Make Me Smile Kenya ensuring that everyone involved is equipped to deliver effective, sustainable health and sanitation solutions. Key areas of focus include the implementation of a structured social behavior change campaign to educate communities about MHM and the creation of robust data-sharing systems for informed decision-making.
Empowering Communities and Young Entrepreneurs
This collaboration focuses on promoting access to quality menstrual health products and empowering young entrepreneurs in the menstrual health sector. Through business development services, the partnership aims to support emerging businesses in meeting the needs of local communities, while also strengthening resilience among vulnerable populations.
Engaging Adolescents and the Community
The projects are also heavily invested in engaging adolescent girls, young women, and the broader community. Through outreach efforts and education campaigns, they are fostering awareness, education, and sustainable change in menstrual health practices. A key part of this approach is the First-Line Support model, which addresses violence against children in all USAID HIV programming. This training has already begun with staff working on the USAID 4TheChild DREAMS program in Kisumu County.
