Trans nzoia: The Department of Health Services and Sanitation in Trans Nzoia County has reaffirmed its commitment to universal access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) for children and communities. The pledge was made during celebrations to mark the International Day of the African Child in Kwanza Sub-County at Kapkoi Comprehensive School.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event, organised by the Ministry of Gender, Culture, and Children Services, was held under the theme ‘Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa’. Speaking at the event, Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member in charge of Health Christopher Lorot emphasized that access to safe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene is a fundamental child’s right which cannot be ignored.
Lorot linked poor WASH services to preventable child mortality, malnutrition, waterborne diseases, school absenteeism, and child labour especially in arid and semi-arid areas. He noted that climate change has also made WASH implementation more difficult, with Kenya experiencing one of the worst droughts in 60 years, which severely affected food security, water availability, sanitation, and hygiene.
Lorot assured residents that the county government is strengthening climate-resilient WASH strategies. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to safe water and sanitation, ensuring no child is left behind in the face of climate change and emergencies. Lorot called on stakeholders to invest in children’s WASH needs and acknowledged ongoing partnerships between the national and county governments to improve service delivery.
Also present at the event was Mrs Linet Mayabi, a Gender Officer in Trans Nzoia, who highlighted the department’s efforts in providing sanitary towels to keep girls in school. She appealed to the government to install incinerators in schools for the safe disposal of sanitary pads.
