Nairobi, 28 Feb 2018 - With support from the Government of Japan, UN-Habitat has partnered with UNHCR and the Turkana County Government in Kenya to implement an integrated spatial development framework which promotes climate resilient infrastructure for sustainable livelihoods. Pilot projects for sustainable shelter, public space and sanitation that align humanitarian responses with development priorities are being undertaken with technical support from UN-Habitat in the context of integrating refugee and host communities.

UN-Habitat’s approach for the Kalobeyei pilot project promotes participatory processes in which communities are involved in identifying and implementing solutions that engender livelihood resilience and increased self-reliance. To enhance linkages between sustainable solutions on shelter, public space and public facilities, LIXIL Corporation will supply ecologically sustainable sanitation infrastructure that create business opportunities by providing adequate and affordable sanitation and infrastructure solutions for refugee and host communities.

LIXIL Corporation will provide flood and drought resistant sanitary ware designed to minimize water usage at both the construction and usage phases. These include innovative sanitary fittings, waste treatment facilities, and customized community bathrooms. The company will also provide training in the maintenance of the facilities to refugees and members of host communities, potentially providing additional economic opportunities in infrastructure management.

The partnerships between UN-Habitat and the private sector in the Kalobeyei project provides a template for transitioning from emergency driven to a sustainable economy driven model of integrating refugee and host communities and facilitates commercialization of infrastructure maintenance in the settlements.