The Chairman of People Living with Disability (PWD) in Nakuru County, Joseph Ogutu, has appealed to the government to ensure that each and every one of them was listed in the Inua Jamii program.
Ogutu said as the world today celebrates the International Day of People with Disabilities, the best gift the government would extend to them was fairness, justice and equity, which has been elusive for them since independence.
He was speaking on Tuesday during a press conference in Nakuru town.
Ogutu said the United Nations set aside the day to increase public awareness, appreciation and celebrations of their achievements, adding that it was also a day which reminds society that we are all disabled in one way or another because there isn’t a human being who has the capacity of doing everything.
“Just because my leg is visibly crooked doesn’t mean that those with straight legs are better athletes’ than me, and there is a higher possibility, that their disability was hidden, in their slow learning capacity and other areas,” he said.
The Chairman commended the government for the Inua Jamii Program, but regretted that there were still a number of hitches, which were taking too long to be ironed out. He added that on a daily basis he receives phone calls from members who have never been registered, sometimes due to lack of awareness.
He urged the media to increase coverage on their issues instead of just waiting for the 3rd of December, to just give those token slots.
“We want the media to appreciate that we are also your audience and would like to be accorded media coverage as often as possible, since we are integral members of society,” he stated.
Ogutu commended the County Government for the recent launch of fund for the disabled, and added that it would enable a number of their members to join and expand their business.
By Veronica Bosibori
