Kakuma – December 5, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
The County Government through the Department of Health and Sanitation convened Child health and Early Childhood Development (ECD) partners for a Stakeholders Engagement Meeting on Child Health and Care for Child Development, focusing on strengthening systems for children aged zero and three years.
The County and Sub-County Health Management Teams provided updates on ongoing Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and community health activities, including the integration of Nurturing Care into service delivery areas.
The Deputy Director for Family Health Services, Gabriel Lopodo, outlined County Government progress and highlighted existing gaps requiring support, particularly in responsive caregiving, safety and security, early learning opportunities, and monitoring developmental milestones.
Reinhard Anzeze, Child Health Technical Officer at Amref Health Africa, presented updates on Tucheze Tustawi project’s play and communication interventions, emphasizing the role of play-based approaches in early learning and child development.
The meeting also covered several key topics, including the roles of various actors involved in supporting child development for children aged 0–3 years, ways to strengthen collaboration in ECD across both host and refugee communities, as well as a review of the County Government and national government profiles in ECD.
Joel Lochor, Turkana West Medical Officer of Health, shared the sub-county outlook and priorities. Partners present also shared updates on their ongoing interventions and identified opportunities for joint action.
The meeting concluded with partners agreeing to develop a joint Action Plan with clear roles and timelines to enhance coordination and improve outcomes for children.
The meeting included senior officers from both the County Health Management Team and Directors attached to KISDEP (Medical Services, and Education), Kakuma Municipality.
Represented organizations included UNHCR, AMREF Health Africa, Kenya Red Cross Society, International Rescue Committee, Department of Refugee Services, and Child Protection Services, and humanitarian organizations involved in ECD within the Kakuma Refugee camp and Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement and the host community health actors.
