TURKANA, Kenya – Nearly half of Turkana County’s residents are still practicing open defecation, according to County Public Health Officer Innocent Sifuna, as only 55 percent of the region has achieved Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status.
Speaking during a ceremony where the county government received tools to support latrine construction, Sifuna expressed optimism that these new resources would contribute to ongoing efforts to improve sanitation.
“We are currently standing at 55 percent ODF status. In the past, such efforts boosted the journey towards increasing the number of ODF villages; we are confident that this donation will contribute to the efforts,” he remarked.
The donation, facilitated by Caritas Lodwar, an implementing partner of the USAID Nawiri program, included tools worth approximately Sh3.1 million.
The equipment—comprising spades, jembes, pickaxes, and 3,000 jerry cans—will be distributed to assist communities in constructing latrines across the county.
Father Dennis Ochieng, Director of Caritas Lodwar, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in addressing Turkana’s sanitation challenges, reducing the disease burden, and combating malnutrition.
“Increasing latrine coverage will directly impact the health of our communities,” Ochieng said.
James Nachule, USAID Nawiri’s WASH Project Manager, added that the donation will support 35 community units across Turkana’s seven sub-counties, helping to create healthier living environments and improve sanitation infrastructure.
Speaking during a ceremony where the county government received tools to support latrine construction, Sifuna expressed optimism that these new resources would contribute to ongoing efforts to improve sanitation.
“We are currently standing at 55 percent ODF status. In the past, such efforts boosted the journey towards increasing the number of ODF villages; we are confident that this donation will contribute to the efforts,” he remarked.
The donation, facilitated by Caritas Lodwar, an implementing partner of the USAID Nawiri program, included tools worth approximately Sh3.1 million.
The equipment—comprising spades, jembes, pickaxes, and 3,000 jerry cans—will be distributed to assist communities in constructing latrines across the county.
Father Dennis Ochieng, Director of Caritas Lodwar, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in addressing Turkana’s sanitation challenges, reducing the disease burden, and combating malnutrition.
“Increasing latrine coverage will directly impact the health of our communities,” Ochieng said.
James Nachule, USAID Nawiri’s WASH Project Manager, added that the donation will support 35 community units across Turkana’s seven sub-counties, helping to create healthier living environments and improve sanitation infrastructure.
