Lodwar, 18th March 2025 (Publication Communication and Media Relations)
The County Government of Turkana is set to expand the National Positive Parenting Program (NPPP) to Turkana West, following its successful implementation in Turkana South.
The expansion was discussed during a joint meeting between the Department of Education, Sports, and Social Protection and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Lodwar, where officials deliberated on the next phase of implementation.
NPPP, spearheaded by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection through the Directorate of Social Development, aims to equip parents with skills to create stable, nurturing environments for children.
The program focuses on improving parental attitudes, behaviors, and practices to enhance children’s emotional, social, and academic development.
County Executive for Education, Sports, and Social Protection Willyjustus Elim Lopeyok emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting that UNICEF’s partnership would accelerate the county’s efforts in strengthening families.
“This is a national program with a direct impact at the household level. Working with UNICEF will enable us to fast-track parents’ ability to create an environment where children can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically,” Akwalata said.
He acknowledged UNICEF’s contributions, including training county staff as master trainers and supporting parents in adopting the program. He urged more parents to embrace the initiative, emphasizing that empowering caregivers is key to reducing child neglect and violence.
UNICEF Child Protection Specialist Wilson Kisiero reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting parenting education as a critical strategy for child protection.
“Through the Investing in Children and Their Societies (ICS) approach, UNICEF has helped families create safe and stable environments for children. Expanding this program to Turkana West and eventually countywide will be a significant gain for children, parents, and the entire community,” Kisiero stated.
He further revealed that Turkana is among 11 counties UNICEF is supporting in implementing the program to strengthen parenting approaches.
Despite financial constraints affecting the county’s budget—particularly in school feeding programs, infrastructure development, and staff capacity building—the program’s expansion comes at a critical time.
Chief Officer for Early Childhood Development and Social Protection Paul Lodunga expressed optimism that the initiative would help reintegrate street children with their families.
“The department has received positive feedback from beneficiaries, who report improved parent-child relationships, better disciplinary approaches, and increased family dialogue as a means of resolving conflicts,” Lodunga said referring to the success realized from Turkana South.
Beatrice Ogutu, Dennis Chirchir and Dennis Kitsao and Joseph Ebukut from the ICS attended the meeting. Alex Marangach, social protection officer for Turkana Central was also present.
