Turkana County joined the World in celebrating World Disability Day in Lokichogio Sub-County with calls for people living with disability to take advantage of the ongoing mapping exercise and register with the county government.
The function was presided over by the Chief Officer, for ECD and Social Protection Moses Korea.
This year’s theme was “United in action to rescue and achieve the sustainable development goals for, with, and by persons with disabilities.”
“We ask persons with disabilities to take advantage of the ongoing mapping exercise and register themselves with our offices. The mapping is meant to collect data to inform the provision of assistive devices,” Chief Officer Korea said.
This event took an integrated medical approach and the following services were offered: general medical reviews, and eye check-ups among others. Last year’s event took place in Turkana North.
Korea assured Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) of the County’s commitment to implement the Turkana County Disability Act (2017). The Act amendments were proposed to open up funding opportunities for the sector and promote its growth, said the Chief Officer.
The Chief Officer cited the establishment and operationalization of the County Disability Board, assessment of persons with disabilities for inclusion into livelihood safety net programs.
In addition, the Member of the National Assembly for Turkana West, Daniel Epuyo lauded the County administration for constituting an all-inclusive disability board focused on creating transformative programs for upgrading the lives of persons with disabilities.
The Director for Social Protection, Mark Amiyo recognized the critical input of partners in making the celebration successful and facilitating activities of PWDs across Turkana.
He added, their support enabled the County to take part in sporting competitions during the Turkana Cultural Festival and NONDO (Isiolo).
Those in attendance included Lucas Lokusi, Member, the County Disability Board; Amos Ariong, Assistant Director, the Social Protection Department), Benson Ebei, Head of Turkana Office, National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Concepta Longole, Head, of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitative Health, and Esther Tokusi, Social Protection Officer, Turkana West.
By Peter Gitonga
