Nairobi, 27 November 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

Turkana County has pledged Ksh 10 million to fund hygiene and sanitation activities aimed at achieving open defecation-free (ODF) status by 2025. The commitment was made during the Kenya Sanitation Alliance (KSA) meeting.

As one of the 15 high-burden counties in terms of sanitation, Turkana County aims to upscale its sanitation activities to address pressing public health, hygiene, and sanitation gaps. This initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader agenda to improve public health by eliminating open defecation and promoting sustainable sanitation practices.

County Executive Member for Health and Sanitation, Longole Wangiros, emphasized the county’s dedication to transforming public health outcomes. “This annual allocation reflects our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our residents. We aim to create a cleaner, healthier county under the strategic leadership of our governor,” Longole stated.

The funds will support various initiatives, including community-led total sanitation programs, community sensitization, and capacity-building efforts to ensure the sustainability of sanitation systems.

Chief Officer of Preventive and Promotive Health Services, Janerose Tioko, highlighted the department’s intention to mobilize even more villages to adopt area-wide approaches for safe hygiene and sanitation practices.

Innocent Sifuna, County Public Health Officer, and Reuben Kibiengo, County WASH coordinator, were also present at the meeting.