International Development Institute- Africa (IDIA) is the technical lead for the National Sanitation Management Policy (NSMP) development process which began in September of 2016. The NSMP is being developed by the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation (MoWSI) with the support of African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC). This is because safely managed sanitation is a key focus of the Government of Kenya due to its role in promoting the social, economic and cultural rights of every person as guaranteed in the constitution.

The development of a robust policy framework for sanitation management is not just of key importance to the realization of the right to sanitation but also a condition precedent to effective delivery of sanitation services and regulation. Globally, SDG 6 commits States to achieve equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030 (SDG 6.1) and access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations (SDG 6.2).

The Kenya Vision 2030 promises every Kenyan access to clean safe water and improved sanitation by the year 2030. The Vision 2030 provides for the application of the right economic incentives; commissioning PPP projects for improved efficiency in water and sanitation delivery; and development of enforcement mechanisms targeting pollution and waste management regulations.

Article 43 of the Constitution also guarantees every person the right to accessible and adequate housing and reasonable standards of sanitation, clean and safe water in adequate quantities and highest attainable standards of health. Article 42 of the Constitution also guarantees every person the right to a clean and healthy environment. This policy will therefore be critical in ensuring that the social, health, environmental and economic benefits of safely managed sanitation are secured. In developing the policy, IDIA works under a multistakeholder steering committee which seeks to provide guidance to both government and non-state actors in taking actions that will ensure Kenya attains universal access to safely managed sanitation services.