HomeKiva News • Article

Celebrating World Toilet Day with Sanergy

November 19, 2012

This is a post contributed by our amazing Field Partner Sanergy, a social enterprise working to improve sanitation in Kenyan slums through innovative technology and business models. A perfect blog post for World Toilet Day!

One year ago, our first Fresh Life Toilet was installed in Nairobi’s urban slums. It was World Toilet Day, a day set aside to raise awareness for 40% of the world’s population lacking access to hygienic toilets. 365 days later, and our network has grown to include over 129 Fresh Life Toilets that have served more than 1 million residents with hygienic sanitation.



Today, the media, the private sector, development organizations and civil society will again come together for another World Toilet Day, advocating for better sanitation options worldwide. In commemoration, Sanergy held a day of festivities in the informal settlement of Mukuru Kwa Ruben, where our network of Fresh Life Toilets are based.

The theme for the event was “Celebrating Fresh Life Impact” and included a football tournament between three teams from Kenya’s informal settlements. We were also honored to have a musical performance by East African artists Eric Wainaina, Kidum, and Nairobi musicians Nelmoh, General Nyiden & L.o.v.e Mgenge. Residents also enjoyed the free use of our newest Fresh Life Toilet behind the football pitch.



Want to show your support for Fresh Life’s 1-yr anniversary and World Toilet Day? We have 3 aspiring Fresh Life Operators with Kiva loans ready to be funded. Visit this page today and help a Fresh Life Operator open a toilet in their community. We’re hoping to have all loans fully financed by the end of the day!

Want to learn more about Kiva's partnership with Sanergy? Check out its Field Partner profile page. Or find out more on the organization's website. We hope you'll take a moment today to think about global sanitation issues and what part you can play in making a difference. Happy World Toilet Day!

Have questions? Send them our way at blog@kiva.org.