The Chairman for Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) in Nakuru, George Otieno, has appealed to the county government to pay their social support monies, which has not been paid for the last two years to enable them meet their financial obligations.
Otieno, said despite the Kenya 2010 Constitution Act. No.14 of 2003 providing different guarantees, PLWDs have been denied the pledges in many instances either deliberately or through excuses of delayed funds from the National Treasury.
He claimed that the inclusion of PLWDs in a meaningful development agenda has been a major challenge that they have continued to face and a number of county governments have defaulted on either releasing their social security funds on time or failed to pay totally. Speaking during a press conference in Nakuru town, Wednesday, the Chairman noted with concern that the recurrent default on their funds contravenes the Constitution that for once took their issues and tribulations seriously and they had hoped that the enterprise funds were going to change their lives for the better.
However, he said that although the 2013 Act of Parliament stipulated for the rights and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities to achieve equalization opportunities through the establishment of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, their glitches have not been addressed adequately.
Otieno said despite the positive protection they have from an ideal Constitution, the major handle facing PLWDs in the country was a negative mindset from officials who have not internalized that although they are differently enabled, they have the capacity of contributing positively to the economic development of the nation.
In addition, he said the Enterprises’ Funds are allocated through each cycle of County Integrated Development Plan and the 2019/2020 Financial Year has not yet been paid to them and they fear a repeat during this financial year.
He also said lack of support and care from the County Governments has a negative impact on their quality of life since they require frequent treatment and medication.
Contacted for comment, the county officials in charge of the PLWDs funds refused to give their official position on the delayed funds.
By Veronica Bosibori
