Lokichoggio, 8th November 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
A new scoring model designed to measure the impact of interventions in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) has been introduced in Turkana West County, Kenya.
The sub-county WASH team introduced the tool and plans for adoption by all players in the sector.
The new model is focused on community needs and tracking progress on important WASH indicators. The tool will also support the county’s goals for clean and safe water, as outlined in the governor’s nine-point agenda and the County Integrated Development Plan 2022-2027 (CIDP).
This new approach is designed to help the county achieve national and global standards for water and sanitation access. This includes access to water for domestic, agricultural, and commercial use, as well as livestock in Turkana West.
Patrick Losike Lokaimoe, CECM for Water Services, endorsed the new scoring model at the Turkana West Sub-County WASH Forum, where it was unveiled.
He said, “the new model is a vital step toward streamlining interventions and enhancing WASH outcomes across Turkana West.”
CECM Lokaimoe believes the scoring model will enable partners and the sub-county water team to plan together, using the tool as a benchmark.
“Alignment with this tool will reinforce the coordination of efforts,” he said, calling for the inclusion of newly established water entities in implementation efforts. These entities include Turkana Rural, Turkana Urban, and KALWASCO Water companies, as well as water user associations.
Sub-County Water Officer Emmanuel Echapan explained how the tool will score various WASH outcomes. “This tool not only tracks infrastructure development but also evaluates catchment area protection for climate resilience, governance improvement for better coordination, and capacity enhancement for executing emergency response,” he said.
Public Health Officer Lumbasi Rapando, co-chair of the forum, noted that the tool will also track metrics for water quality enhancement, community-led sanitation, hand-washing initiatives, and contributions to events such as World Water Day, Global Handwashing Day, and World Toilet Day.
“This tool will undergo continuous review to remain relevant in the evolving WASH landscape,” Rapando said.
During the forum, representatives from the new water companies presented their priorities. They emphasized the need for partner support to rehabilitate pipelines, install water storage and distribution infrastructure, and improve water quality systems.
Paul Merinyang’, Chair of Turkana Rural Water Company (TURWASCO), urged partners to invest in capacity-building initiatives that will foster resilient water governance systems.
“We envision a strong knowledge-sharing network through benchmarking with more established water schemes nationwide,” he said.
CECM Lokaimoe presented certificates of appreciation to outstanding sector players, including Team and Team International, ISRAID, and World Vision. He encouraged all partners to expand their programs to improve conditions for Turkana West communities.
Also in attendance were Obed Echip Lokichoggio sub–County Administrator, Hashim Kerio, TURWASCO board member, Zacharia Etukon MD KALWASCO, and Ekaran Vistorsam, MD TURWASCO.
