Turkana: The County Department of Health and Sanitation, in collaboration with the Lotus Kenya Action for Development Organization (LOKADO), has engaged the newly formed County Youth WASH Parliament in an initiative to advocate for clean and safe water, sanitation, and hygiene to policymakers in the WASH sector.
According to Kenya News Agency, the training targeted two young individuals from each sub-county, focusing on advocating for policies, innovations, and research that will ensure safe water, sanitation, and hygiene, ultimately improving WASH outcomes. During the meeting, County Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Coordinator, Reuben Kibyego, emphasized that the youth parliament should champion efforts to ensure access to clean and safe water, a fundamental right that enhances health, dignity, and well-being.
Kibyego stated that engaging youth in WASH programs is crucial for lobbying resource mobilization, thus promoting inclusivity. He acknowledged the youth parliament concept, describing it as a foundation for youth-led advocacy that could drive sustainable change in WASH programs.
Dennis Ekiru, LOKADO Program Coordinator, highlighted that the inclusion of the youth parliament offers a long-term solution for improving water, sanitation, and hygiene practices. He said the youths held the key to sustainable WASH solutions, from leading local clean-up initiatives to promoting WASH-friendly policies and raising awareness about WASH issues.
Elburs Ewoi, Chair of the Turkana College and University Students Association, stressed the importance of youth involvement in WASH interventions, noting that it empowered young people to promote sustainable WASH practices. Present at the meeting were members of the County Health Management Team, the Turkana Youth Parliament, and LOKADO officials.