Effectiveness of integrating sanitation and nutrition (SanNut) programmes: evidence from an RCT in Kitui, Kenya

Child stunting is a persistent problem in many of Kenya’s rural counties. Kitui County has one of the highest stunting rate in the nation, with 45% of the population exhibiting elements of stunting against the national prevalence of 26%. Factors related to poor sanitation and hygiene practices among caregivers of children exposed to fecal contamination through their environs, and poor nutrition practices put children at risk for stunting. Despite their shared objectives, sanitation and nutrition programs are often implemented separately. The SanNut study explored whether an integrated sanitation and nutrition program piloted in Kitui County would lead to better sanitation and nutrition behaviours and practices among caregivers of young children compared to a standard sanitation program. Findings show that the program had modest but statistically significant improvements on key hygiene and nutrition-related childcare practices.