Makutano: Residents of West Pokot County were sensitized during the launch of Sanitation Week and World Toilet Day through a series of activities designed to enhance awareness regarding the importance of sanitation and hygiene, under the theme ‘Sanitation for Peace’. The event held at Makutano town in Kapenguria constituency was organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with various stakeholders, including Action against Hunger, the Kenya Red Cross Society, Rotary Doctors, Yang’at organization, Huduma Centre, banks, and media representatives.
According to Kenya News Agency, the occasion underscored the vital importance of sanitation in fostering public health, peace, and social unity. During the launch, Benson Ruto, the County Director for Public Health, affirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to improving sanitation infrastructure in both rural and urban areas, as well as in under-served communities.
Ruto highlighted that access to proper sanitation can reduce the spread of disease, foster
harmony, and ultimately improve the quality of life for people. He emphasized that many common diseases stem from poor hygiene practices and unsanitary living conditions, citing cholera, dysentery, and other waterborne illnesses as prevalent diseases thriving in environments lacking proper sanitation.
As part of the national observance, Ruto called on local communities to take responsibility for maintaining cleaner environments both in their homes and surrounding areas. He stressed the need for collective efforts in tackling sanitation challenges, stating that improved sanitation reduces social and economic burdens caused by illness, promoting a more peaceful and productive society.
Despite significant improvements in sanitation infrastructure in West Pokot County, Ruto noted the persistent challenges such as inadequate water supply and lack of access to modern sanitation facilities, particularly in remote and rural areas. He assured that the Ministry of Health, local leaders, and health stakeholders would
continue to engage communities through education and infrastructure development to address these challenges.
On her part, Kapenguria Division Assistant County Commissioner Mrs. Emilly Ogolla stated that the government aims to empower communities by helping them build sanitation utilities. This effort is not only intended to improve public health but also to enhance livelihoods by ensuring that every household has access to proper sanitation facilities.
Ogolla emphasized the importance of sanitation in reducing the spread of diseases and improving the quality of life for residents, particularly in rural and underserved areas. She explained that improving sanitation is key to promoting public health and fostering sustainable development, while also pointing out the link between sanitation and peace, suggesting that better sanitation facilities can help reduce conflicts over water and sanitation resources.
She commended the residents for adopting sanitation practices contributing to disease prevention and ove
rall well-being and acknowledged the pivotal role of the Ministry of Public Health and its partners in raising awareness about sanitation. Their ongoing support in implementing sanitation initiatives is recognized as crucial in improving public health and livelihoods across the county.