13 villages in Namoruputh, Lokiriama Sub-County, have been certified Open Defecation Free (ODF) under
the SCORE II Project, marking a major milestone in ongoing sanitation improvements across Turkana
County.

The certification follows implementation of the Climate Resilient Community-Led Total Sanitation (CR-CLTS) approach, which empowers communities to analyse their sanitation challenges and take collective action to end open defecation.

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Sanitation, Dr Epem Joseph Esekon, expressed the county government’s appreciation to KOICA for supporting the CR-CLTS initiative and reaffirmed commitment to continued collaboration. He, also reflected on the importance of sanitation ahead of World Toilet Day.

“Toilets are more than structures, they are spaces of dignity, safety, and peace,” he said. “As we mark World Toilet Day tomorrow, let us remember that ‘everyone will always need the toilet, it is essential for a healthy existence,”

The ceremony was graced by the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kenya, H.E. Kang Hyung-Shik, accompanied by the KOICA Country Director, Wankyu Park and UNICEF Kenya Deputy Country Representative, Mahboob Bajwa.

Ambassador Kang, who is on a mission to assess KOICA-supported interventions in Turkana, commended the collaboration between the county government, KOICA Kenya, and UNICEF, acknowledging the community’s commitment to adopting improved sanitation practices.

“KOICA, together with the County Government and the people of Turkana, are doing a remarkable job,” he said adding, “From the sites we have visited today, it is clear that WASH investments are transforming communities not only here, but across the county. I commend the residents for embracing these projects. Your resilience and leadership at both county and sub-county levels have made this achievement possible.”

Dr Epem recognised the development partners led by KOICA Kenya among other implementing partners including UNICEF, Welt Hungerhilfe, Diocese of Lodwar, and World Vision Kenya, and the community for their dedication to improving sanitation standards.

“Your unwavering support has been instrumental in achieving this milestone. To my team at the County Department of Health and Sanitation, your tireless efforts have driven this initiative forward, and most importantly, the people of Namoruputh, you are at the heart of the success we witness here today,”

He noted that Turkana County is committed to achieving SDG 6.2, which calls for ending open defecation and ensuring access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene by 2030.

As of today, 1,346 villages out of the county’s total 2,254 have been certified ODF—representing 59.7% of all villages.

Dr. Epem highlighted the broader benefits of sanitation investments. “The construction and use of latrines have significantly reduced diarrheal diseases and related deaths, in the end protecting our communities and helping reduce malnutrition,” he said. “Safe sanitation restores dignity and improves quality of life, especially for women, girls, and vulnerable groups,”

He emphasized the need for communities to sustain the gains made. “While we celebrate, we must remember that the work does not end here. Maintaining ODF status is a shared responsibility. Let us continue teaching our children, keeping our environment clean, and taking pride in our hygiene standards.”

Agnes Mana, Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health Services also addressed the participants calling for continued collaboartion in preventing diseases through observing proper hygiene practices.

The Lokiriama Sub-County Administrator, chiefs and village Administrators were also present.