Accessibility and use of evidence for informed decision-making on Water Sanitation and Hygiene services in Kenya

Abstract

Equitable access to water and sanitation is still significantly an issue of concern particularly for marginalised and vulnerable groups and individuals in the developing countries. Considering the recent water and sanitation targets under the Sustainable Development Goals, which aspire to promote higher standards and percentage of people with access to safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services, there, is a pressing need to monitor inclusiveness. It is also important to inform policy based on evidence, as this will bring about effective planning, implementation and prioritisation in the field of WASH. This study was informed by three major questions 1) what types of evidence is necessary to inform policy and decisions, 2) how is evidence on WASH useful to influence policy, 3) how is social inclusion in WASH measured. Data were collected through key informant interviews, document and literature review.

On the basis of the findings, the study described the types of evidence that are useful in influencing policies and decisions. The study described how evidence is helpful in supporting, informing or influencing decisions and presented the evidence dissemination strategies and enablers. The study found limited measuring of social inclusion and so, made a recommendation of how to go about measuring social inclusion in WASH.