The “Iko Toilet” is an initiative of Ecotact, a social enterprise incorporated in Kenya in 2006. Ecotact aims at innovative answers to the growing environmental sanitation crises in Kenya’s urban areas. It is a partnership with local authorities in Kenya through a Build-Operate-Transfer process. The aim is to offer convenient, hygienic and sustainable water and sanitation services in markets, bus parks, urban leisure parks and slums. The Iko Toilet initiative derived from the word “eco, ”  has been supported by both technical and financial resources such as the Patient Capital Loans from Acumen Fund (USA); awards from global agencies like Global Water Challenge (USA) and Ashoka-Innovators for the Public; Government agencies such as the Water Services Board, and private sector corporate social responsibility funds. The toilet design minimizes use of water; and incorporates harvesting urine – which is bio-digested for energy.

Since 2008, Ikotoilet serves over 40,000 people daily with safe water and sanitation in ten Municipalities. The ikotoilet blocks have incorporated “toilet malls” which are income-generation kiosks such as shoe shiners, cleaners, barber shops, newspaper vendors and electronic money transfers outlets, which provide employment to local youth. 

The initiative has transformed public health practices in many communities. The model has received support from the Government of Kenya; and has also stimulated demand across the East Africa region.