By Wacuka Maina
Residents attending a public baraza at the chief’s office in Kiplombe Ward, Uasin Gishu County, on 15th May 2026, expressed concern over the lack of a toilet facility at the administrative office. The issue came to light during a community meeting organized jointly by Siasa Place and Kilimani BUDA CBO. According to Mrs. Hyless Baraza, a member of SHOFCO who attended the meeting, she was shocked to discover that the office did not have a functioning toilet despite appearing fully set up and operational.
“I was really pressed and started looking for a toilet only to realize there was none at the chief’s office,” said Hyless. “I had to walk down the hill and request to use a stranger’s toilet before returning to the meeting. It was very inconvenient.” The absence of sanitation facilities at a public office raised questions among residents who attended the baraza, especially considering the office regularly hosts meetings and receives members of the public seeking administrative services.
After the baraza, further inquiries were made to the area chief, Glady’s Bitok, who acknowledged the challenge. According to her, the lack of a toilet facility has also affected staff working at the office. “It is very embarrassing,” she said. “At times, I and the village elders are forced to relieve ourselves behind the office because there is no toilet available.”
Fanisi Ombasi, an Activist from Kapsoya CBO who attended the meeting, questioned how a public office could operate without basic sanitation facilities. “In Kenya, toilets are usually among the first structures built before developments,” she said. “Even construction workers need sanitation facilities while building. That is why this situation is very surprising.”
Another Activist Samuel Chonjere from Mwanzo PWD (People Living with disabilities), noted that the office’s location makes the situation even more difficult because neighboring homes are located either uphill or downhill from the chief’s office. “It becomes very hard for visitors, especially women, children, elderly people and people who live with disabilities who come seeking services here,” she said. The lack of a toilet at the chief’s office not only undermines dignity but also poses possible health and sanitation concerns for both workers and members of the public.
The responsibility of constructing and maintaining chiefs’ offices falls under the national government through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF). When contacted on the matter, Rose Chelimo The ward Administrator whose work is to supervise and coordinate government services at the grassroot level stated that plans to construct a toilet facility at the chief’s office were underway and that funds for the project have reportedly been released. Residents say they hope the promised plans will be implemented soon to restore dignity and convenience for both staff and members of the public who visit the office daily.
