Nakingol Village in Kalimapus Village Unit, Kalokol Ward, has been officially certified as Open Defecation Free (ODF), becoming the 54th village in Turkana Central Sub-County to achieve the milestone in ongoing efforts to improve sanitation and public health.
The certification marks a significant step in Turkana County’s campaign to reduce open defecation, one of the major public health challenges affecting communities across the region.
Multi-Sectoral Team Confirms ODF Status
A multi-sectoral team comprising of Turkana Central Sub-County Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) officers, Kalokol Ward Administrator James Loseny, and representatives from Welthungerhilfe (WHH) conducted a joint assessment before certifying the village.
The team inspected household sanitation facilities and evaluated hygiene pratices through a transect walk across the village.
READ ALSO:
- Turkana County Assembly Amends Standing Orders to Allow Refugee Petitions
- Turkana County Launches 9.4-Km Urum-Moruling’a Road Project
“As a team, we confirm that 7 out of 54 households randomly assessed had proper latrines, handwashing facilities and soap. The transect walk also found no human feces, meeting CLTS standards. The village is therefore certified Open Defecation Free,” said Peter Mitunda from the County WASH office.
Community-Led Total Sanitation Driving Change
Mitunda explained that Nakingol Village was triggered in March 2026 under the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach, which encourages communities to take collective responsibility for ending open defecation.
The initiative was implemented with support from WHH, local administration officials, and community health promoters.
Improved Sanitation Reducing Disease Outbreaks
Kalokol Ward Administrator James Loseny described the achievement as a major milestone in efforts to prevent disease outbreaks associated with poor sanitation.
“Kalokol has suffered major outbreaks linked to poor sanitation. Since residents started working with WHH and public health teams, more villages are becoming ODF and cholera cases have disappeared,” he said.
Loseny challenged neighboring communities to replicate the success achieved by Nakingol residents, who constructed latrines using locally available materials despite difficult rocky terrain.
Residents Celebrate Improved Dignity and Hygiene
For residents, the transformation has brought both health and social benefits.
“Before, we endured the foul smell from open defecation. The triggering in March opened our eyes. Today, myself and my five children use the toilet at all times. This is a big plus to our dignity,” said resident Pauke Esinyen.
Part of a Wider Turkana Sanitation Program
Nakingol is among 143 villages targeted under the Score II Programme, which is implemented by WHH, led by UNICEF and funded by KOICA.
According to Mitunda, interventions by development partners are playing a key role in improving health outcomes while helping Kenya achieve its national sanitation and hygiene targets.
