In anticipation of this year’s World Water Day, the County and National Governments in Turkana have established a joint committee tasked with overseeing preparations for the global event scheduled for March 22, 2024, in Turkana West.
At a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) stakeholders meeting in Kakuma, Director for Water Services, Engineer Paul Lotum, disclosed the formal inclusion of Turkana West National Government Administrative Officers in the planning committee.
“After discussions with WASH partners in Turkana West, we’ve formed an all-inclusive planning committee co-chaired by the Turkana West Sub County Administrator and the Turkana West DCC or their representative,” Director Lotum stated.
Acknowledging the time constraints for organizing a successful event, Director Lotum emphasized the committee’s role in resource mobilization, event publicity, and hosting dignitaries attending the event.
Affirming participation, Assistant County Commissioner for Oropoi, John Karugu, said that the choice of Turkana West for such an important day was a great honor.
“We will collaborate closely with the county team to ensure the event’s success.” He said.
Turkana West is set to become the third of the global event after Turkana North and Turkana Central hosted previous events.
This event is expected to showcase the county’s strides toward universal water access as outlined in SDG 6 and Governor Lomorukai’s nine-point agenda that recognises access to water as a human right.
In addition to the County and National Governments, stakeholders in the WASH sector, including UNHCR, Peace Wind Japan, International Rescue Committee, International Organization of Migration, ISRAID, Team and Team International, Norwegian Refugee Council, Kenya Red Cross Society, LWF, Water Mission, Lotus Kenya, and all WASH partners across Turkana, are urged to nominate representatives to the committee.
The committee is expected to convene from Tuesday of this week to plan and execute all the pre-event activities for a successful World Water Day 2024 in the sub-county.
Lydia Wanaswa 
Biko Steve