Shadrack Nyakoe
Dettol, a leading provider of hygiene and disinfection solutions, in partnership with the Nairobi County Government, held a hygiene sensitisation campaign among learners in Nairobi to mark Global Handwashing Day 2025.
This year’s theme, “Be a Handwashing Hero,” highlights the importance of making handwashing with soap a simple yet powerful daily habit to prevent disease and promote overall health.
The event, held at Rising Star Shining Academy, brought together school children, teachers, and community members who received training and Dettol bar soaps to encourage proper hand hygiene practices.
“Global Handwashing Day resonates deeply with our mission at Dettol — to be a true Handwashing Hero,” said Mustapha Bugaje, Country Manager, Reckitt Kenya. “For decades, Dettol has been committed to educating communities about the importance of hand hygiene as a simple but effective way to prevent illness. We are proud to collaborate with the Nairobi County Government, a key partner in driving community health and hygiene initiatives across the city.”
Dettol’s community programmes focus on sustaining good handwashing habits through school outreach, community engagement, and point-of-sale education. The brand continues to invest in initiatives that expand access to quality hygiene products and promote public health nationwide.
Through the Reckitt Catalyst Program, the company is also driving innovation in sanitation by supporting social enterprises with KSh 3 million in seed funding. These investments empower grassroots organisations in the WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) and health sectors to scale transformative hygiene solutions.
According to data from the Ministry of Health (2024), approximately 85% of schools in rural areas and informal settlements lack adequate handwashing or hygiene facilities, while another 13% have limited access to clean water and soap. Poor sanitation and hygiene conditions not only increase the risk of illnesses such as diarrhoea and cholera but also impact school attendance—especially among adolescent girls.
“We commend Dettol for their continued investment in hygiene education and for partnering with Nairobi County to promote cleaner, healthier learning environments,” said Dr. Robert Kariuki, Sub-County Medical Officer of Health, Ruaraka. “Good hygiene is the first line of defence against many preventable diseases, and through collaborations like this, we are empowering our children to take charge of their health and that of their communities.”
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