Co-creation and self-evaluation of informal social accountability mechanism process in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services delivery in childcare centres in Nairobi’s informal settlements 

Abstract

Background Accountability strategies are expected to enhance access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) service delivery in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC). Conventional formal social accountability mechanisms (SAMs) for WASH service delivery have been inadequate to meet the needs of residents in informal settlements in LMICs. This has prompted growing interest in alternative informal SAMs (iSAMs) in Nairobi’s informal settlements. To date, iSAMs have shown a limited effect, often due to implementation failures and poor contextual fit. In childcare centres in Nairobi’s informal settlements, the co-creation of iSAMs process, where parents, childcare managers, researchers and other WASH stakeholders, contribute to the design and implementation of iSAMs, is an approach with the potential to meet the needs. However, few studies have documented (a) co-creating iSAMs processes for WASH service delivery in childcare centres and (b) self-evaluation of the co-creation process. Methods We used a qualitative approaches where we collected data through workshops and focus group discussions to document and inform a) co-creation processes of SAMs for WASH service delivery in childcare centres and (b) self-evaluation of the co-creation process. We used content analysis for our data analysis. Results Study participants co-created an iSAM process that entailed: definition; action and sharing information; judging and assessing; and learning and adapting iSAMs. The four steps were designed to increase the capability to meet WASH needs in childcare centres. We also documented a self-evaluation appraisal of the iSAM process. Study participants described that the co-creation process could improve understanding, inclusion, ownership and performance in WASH service delivery. Negative appraisals described included financial, structural, social and time constraints. Conclusion We conclude that the co-creation process could address contextual barriers which are often overlooked, as it allows understanding of issues through the ‘eyes’ of people who experience service delivery issues. Further, we conclude that sustainable and equitable WASH service delivery in childcare centres in informal settlements needs research that goes beyond raising awareness to fully engage and co-create to ensure that novel solutions are developed at an appropriate scale to meet specific needs. We recommend that actors should integrate co-created iSAMs process in already existing structures for WASH service delivery in childcare centres and other contexts.