Kakuma – March 21, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
What began as a structured intervention has now evolved into a fully operational community system, where knowledge is no longer confined within training rooms but is actively applied in both remote and urban villages of Turkana West.
At the moment in Turkana West, a shift is unfolding, one that will change how communities raise, nurture, and connect with their youngest children between zero and three years.
With over half of Turkana County’s population, the region has seen a year-long investment by the County Government and Amref Health Africa’s Tucheze Tustawi Project to build a strong network of Trainers of Trainers, Community Health Assistants (CHAs), and Community Health Promoters (CHPs). All who have now been equipped with skills to integrate play-based learning into early childhood care.
Through a structured cascade model, CHAs have been mentoring CHPs this past week, equipping hundreds across 148 villages with practical skills on nurturing care—covering good health, good nutrition, responsive caregiving, safety and security, and opportunities for early learning.
Hands-on sessions emphasized creating affordable toys from local materials, reinforcing that play-based learning can be integrated into daily life.
CHPs are now moving into villages and households, not only to educate caregivers but also to demonstrate how families can create simple toys and use play as a tool for bonding, stimulation, and learning.
In many villages, CHPs are now conducting home visits and community barazas, demonstrating simple play activities using everyday items and turning ordinary moments into opportunities for learning and bonding.
With CHAs supervising and CHPs leading at the household level, the approach is proving both practical and sustainable, resulting in strong community awareness and ownership.
Community Health Promoters (CHPs) from different villages shared a collective commitment to improving child development and family wellbeing by translating knowledge into action.
Irene Longes from Natir 2 is helping mothers create affordable toys, while Dominic Ebei from Morishapel is promoting inclusion of children with disabilities and reducing stigma and conflict between communities. Ekadeli Lokoiyen from Masielo emphasized that play can strengthen family bonds and enhance his effectiveness.
Others highlighted the importance of early childhood care beginning in pregnancy and the role of both parents. Susan Elero from Lopur is guiding families from pregnancy, promoting the use of IFAS, and involving fathers, while Dominic Ekitui from Akodong’ole reinforces the importance of present fatherhood. In Pokotom, Priscillah Lotiang highlights play’s role in brain development, and Gabriel Ekamais is forming father-to-father groups to encourage engagement.
Other CHPs are focused on child protection, health, and safety. Daniel Akui from Kayopat is supporting parents to safeguard vulnerable children, while Ekiroka Koribok from Kayoteber promotes safe delivery, hygiene, and safer home environments. Amuria Elei from Ekengot is ensuring child registration at birth, and Francis Lotede from Natukobenyo is improving awareness and encouraging full antenatal care attendance. Emmanuel Moru from Nakudopwarina is leading by example in nurturing care and toy-making, while Atabo Esinyen from Akouatom is guiding breastfeeding practices and monitoring developmental milestones.
These efforts are already visible at the household level.
Parents are becoming more intentional in engaging with their children, with mothers increasing interaction and fathers taking a more active role in play despite traditional norms. Families are also recognizing that, beyond basic needs like food and healthcare, responsive interaction and stimulation are crucial for children’s brain development and overall wellbeing.
This transformation is being reinforced by county-wide efforts to embed nurturing care into behaviour change strategies, ensuring that play is not seen as an add-on, but as a core part of raising a healthy child.
Guided by Trainers of Trainers led by Deputy Director for Family Health, Gabriel Lopodo, the cascade has maintained quality, consistency, and alignment with the nurturing care approach.
Tucheze Tustawi Project Officer, Reinhard Anzenze, underscored the long-term vision of the initiative, noting that “When play-based learning becomes part of everyday caregiving, we are not just supporting children to survive; we are enabling them to thrive and reach their full potential,” he said.
Echoing this, Gabriel Lopodo emphasized the strength of the system being built, stating that “By empowering CHAs and CHPs to lead this change within their own communities, we are creating a sustainable model where knowledge remains with the people and continues to benefit generations to come,”
As this project, supported by Lego Foundation, transitions fully into the community phase, it stands as a growing example of what is possible when systems, healthcare workers, and caregivers align. This progress has also been recognized, with Amref Health Africa (Danida Transcend) awarding top-performing facilities and community units, including Namon and Tulabalany dispensaries and Namon and Esanyanait Community Health Units, for excellence in service delivery and community outreach.
