County Backs New Impact Measurement Tool to Transform WASH Interventions in Turkana West

By Turkana Correspondent 

A new scoring model to measure the impact of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions has been launched in Turkana West by the sub-county WASH team, with plans for sector-wide adoption.

This model, centered on addressing community needs and tracking progress across key WASH indicators, aims to advance the sub-county’s goals for clean and safe water as outlined in the governor’s nine-point agenda and the County Integrated Development Plan 2022-2027 (CIDP).

The tool is also designed to align with national and global standards for water and sanitation access, encompassing needs for domestic, agricultural, commercial, and livestock water use in the Turkana West region.

Speaking at the Turkana West Sub-County WASH Forum, where the tool was introduced, Patrick Losike Lokaimoe, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water Services, endorsed the initiative as crucial for enhancing WASH outcomes across the region. Lokaimoe highlighted that the scoring model will enable partners and the sub-county team to plan collaboratively, providing a benchmark to guide program implementation.

Turkana west sub county WASH partners and water CECM Patrick Losike Lokaimoe (centre in blue shirt) group photo after the 2nd quater 2023-2024 WASH forum meeting at Lokichoggio

“Using this tool will improve coordination efforts,” Lokaimoe stated, encouraging participation from newly established water entities like Turkana Rural, Turkana Urban, and KALWASCO water companies, along with water user associations.

Emmanuel Echapan, Sub-County Water Officer, explained that the tool scores multiple WASH outcomes, covering infrastructure development, catchment area protection for climate resilience, governance for better coordination, and capacity-building for emergency response.

Public Health Officer Lumbasi Rapando, co-chair of the forum, added that the tool integrates metrics for water quality, community-led sanitation, hand-washing initiatives, and contributes to global events like World Water Day, Global Handwashing Day, and World Toilet Day. “We plan to review this tool continually to keep it relevant to evolving WASH needs,” Rapando noted.

During the forum, representatives from the new water companies outlined their priorities, stressing the importance of partner support for pipeline rehabilitation, water storage and distribution infrastructure, and water quality improvements. Paul Merinyang', Chair of the Turkana Rural Water Company (TURWASCO), emphasized the need for investment in training programs to build resilient water governance.

“We envision a robust knowledge-sharing network through benchmarking with established water schemes nationwide,” Merinyang' said.

To recognize excellence in WASH efforts, CECM Lokaimoe awarded certificates to key sector partners, including Team and Team, ISRAID, and World Vision, encouraging all partners to expand their programs to benefit communities in Turkana West.

Attendees included Obed Echip, Lokichoggio Sub-County Administrator; Hashim Kerio, TURWASCO board member; Zacharia Etukon, Managing Director of KALWASCO; and Ekaran Vistorsam, Managing Director of TURWASCO.