Lodwar – 3rd October 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
Water and sanitation (WASH) stakeholders have validated a strategy and investment plan aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability in water and sanitation provision.
The County Water and Sanitation Strategy and Investment Plan (CWSSIP), developed under K-Wash, a program jointly funded by World Bank and National Government to guide interventions in each of the 19 counties across Kenya up to 2030. Under the K-Wash program, Turkana and Garissa enjoy special consideration for hosting refugee population.
Closing the three-day validation workshop, County Executive for Water Services, Willjustus Lopeyok, assured members of the County Assembly that once the strategy was approved would pave the way for implementation.
“We are working hard to make the Ministry of Water Services responsive to the needs of all county residents. I believe with our MCAs on board, we want our people to enjoy access to clean water,” he said.
Committee Chair for Water, Sanitation, Environment, and Climate Change, James Ikeny Loyelei, MCA for Kanamkemer Ward, called for strengthening water service providers and finding solutions to persistent water salinity challenges.
While opening the workshop, Chief Officer for Water Services Eng. Mark Achilla, encouraged participants to contribute actively in shaping the final strategy document.
Stakeholders welcomed the recognition of community structures in water management. Edward Ekal Ebei, Chair of the Lokanam Water Resources Users Association (WRUA), stressed that civic education on water management is critical to sustainability.
Similarly, Felitus Ekamais – Secretary of Kawalase WRUA, highlighted the strategy’s recognition of WRUAs as key partners.
“Involving WRUAs in project development and implementation, and educating communities will support proper water management,” she said.
James Esinye, Secretary of Kakwanyang Water Users Association (WUA), noted that WUAs were the backbone of community water management. His association oversees two boreholes serving eight villages; with two villages located 10 kilometers away.
“The project’s focus on rewarding sustainability is a strong motivator for communities to manage resources responsibly,” he said.
Director of Water Services, Paul Lotum, assured participants that the CWSSIP would serve as a guide, aligning priorities and resources toward the desired results.
