Namoruputh, Lokiriama — November 18, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
Fourteen 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 Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach, which empowers communities to analyse their sanitation challenges and take collective action to end open defecation.
The ceremony was graced by the Korean Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Kang Hyung-Shik, accompanied by the County Executive Committee Member for Health, Dr. Joseph Epem, UNICEF Kenya’s Chief of WASH Haile Gashaw, and KOICA Deputy Country Director Hwayeong Bae.
The villages certified ODF include: Kalelekol, Kiwanja-Ndege, Moru-Ege, Nawoyadome, Nabolocha, Nakorimunyen, Line Moja, Narionomor, Atorob Apoo, Hewani, Kadir, Lobole, Nalemu, Lopeduru, and Natanyakipi.
Ambassador Kang, who is on a mission to assess KOICA-supported interventions in Turkana, commended the collaboration between the County Government, KOICA, and UNICEF, as well as the community’s commitment to adopting improved sanitation practices.
“KOICA, together with the County Government and the people of Turkana, is doing remarkable work,” he said. “From the sites we have visited today, it is clear that WASH investments are transforming communities—not only here in Namoruputh 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 thanked the development partners and the community for their dedication to improving sanitation standards.
“I wish to recognize our esteemed donor, KOICA, and implementing partners including UNICEF, Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH), World Vision, and others,” he said. “Your unwavering support has been instrumental in achieving this milestone. To my colleagues in the Ministry of Health, your tireless efforts have driven this initiative forward. But most importantly, to the people of Namoruputh—you are at the heart of this success.”
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, 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.”
The CECM expressed the county’s deep appreciation to KOICA for supporting the CLTS initiative and reaffirmed commitment to continued collaboration.
In closing, he 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 ‘We’ll Always Need the Toilet’ because it is essential for a healthy existence.”
Other leaders present include Agnes Mana, County Chief Officer Preventive and Promotive Health Services, Paul Lotum Director Water Services, Pauline Nakipi, the Lokiriama Sub County Administrator, Chiefs and Village Administrators.
