At least 45 per cent of Turkana County residents are still practicing open defecation.
According to the County Public Health Officer, Innocent Sifuna, only 55 per cent of the county is open defecation-free.
"We are currently standing at 55 per cent 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,” Sifuna said.
He was speaking when the county government received donations of tools to assist the community in latrines construction across the county.
The donation was issued to the county through Caritas Lodwar, an implementing partner of the USAID Nawiri programme.
The equipment whose approximate value is Sh3.1 million, included spades, jembes, pickaxes, mattocks, crossbars, mason hammers, rakes, and 3000 Jerry cans.
He said such donations further empowered the county to increase the number of Open Defecation-Free villages.
Caritas Lodwar’s Director Father Dennis Ochieng said the collaboration would assist the county in increasing latrine coverage, reducing disease burden, and combating persistent acute malnutrition.
Wash Project Manager of USAID Nawiri, James Nachule said the donation was accompanied by a distribution list to cover 35 community units spread across the seven subcounties.
County Wash coordinator, Reuben Kibiego and Public Health Officer Elphas Mayo were present.
