“Ikotoilet” – sustainable sanitation in the SouthThe award-
winning Ikotoilet project in Nairobi improves multiple areas:
sanitation, health, water, waste management, slum settlements,
and youth unemployment. By making public toilets into stylishly
designed meeting places, featuring low water consumption,
rainwater collection, and the recycling of waste, the Ikotoilet
has created a model for sustainable sanitation in developing
countries. The project has spread to the rest of Kenya and
launches are underway in neighbouring countries. Keywords:
hygiene, slums, inadequate water, sanitation, waste management,
sustainable development. Ikotoilet was launched in 2008 by the
Nairobi-based company Ecotact – run by David Kuria, a former
city planner. Inspired by the Gandhi quote “sanitation is more
important than independence”, Kuria designed eye-catching,
multi-functional public toilets. Contrary to local tradition,
Ikotoilets are intended to be placed centrally, in order to also
serve as meeting places. For 5 shillin