A section of persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in Murang’a South have benefited from assistive devices worth Sh380, 440 from the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK).
NFDK Program Officer Japeth Oswe told KNA that the program they are undertaking focuses mainly on the individual beneficiaries, as they are given the tools of trade and assistive devices based on what they have requested.
The 15 persons are among scores in the county who receive assistive devices from time to time to aid them in socio-economic empowerment of people with disabilities and enable them start income generating activities.
Among the items distributed included carpentry toolkit, farming toolkit, hair salon toolkit, knitting machine, sewing machine, welding toolkit and livestock.
The program officer divulged that so far, the NFDK has issued assistive devices and work tools worth Sh1, 197,970 million to PWDs in Murang’a County.
“We ensure that they have the abilities to utilize the item for which they have applied for. That’s the primary consideration when shortlisting the beneficiaries,” he noted.
On her part, Gender and Social Development Officer, Murang’a Ms Ruth Gichuki advised the beneficiaries not to sell the tools for quick cash and instead to use them for their long-term gain to earn a livelihood for themselves and their families.
“We believe through empowering individuals with disabilities and by so doing, we are helping the government in achieving some of its aims and objectives, particularly under Vision 2030,” stated Ruth.
Grace Wanjiru, one of the beneficiaries, expressed her gratitude for the hair salon toolkit she received, saying it will help her meet her family’s basic requirements.
“For a long time, I have wished to own tools of trade to assist in my salon expertise and now I’m grateful that I will be able to take care of myself and my family and earn a decent livelihood,” beamed Wanjiru.
By Florence Kinyua and Hellen Nafula
