Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in Laikipia County have benefitted from assistive devices and tools of trade worth Sh1, 379,110 from the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK).
NFDK Program Officer, Japheth Oswe, said that the donations were meant to assist the PWDs with their daily activities such as ease in mobility and also for use in income-generating activities.
Speaking in Nanyuki town, Oswe, however, cautioned the over 60 beneficiaries against selling the donated devices, noting that it would water down the gains made in assisting the PWDs to lead a normal life and be able to fend for themselves, just like any other person.
“If we discover that any beneficiary has sold his or her donation, our organisation will automatically black list that recipient and shall never be eligible for any further assistance in future,” Oswa warned.
The assistive devices included wheelchairs, crutches and walking canes for those with physical challenges while the tools of trade included sewing machines, hair salon equipment, workshop tools, irrigation kits, welding machines, knitting machines and shaving kits based on individual requests.
Speaking while handing over the donations to the beneficiaries in Nanyuki town, Oswe encouraged more disabled persons in the area to apply for the donations that would help them improve their lives.
“Any disabled person can apply for the assistive devices and tools of trade at the same time and we evaluate requests on individual needs and those who are successful, we deliver the same to them in any part of the Country,” Oswe said.
Laikipia East Deputy County Commissioner, Patrick Muli, who was the Chief Guest during the function, urged the beneficiaries to use the donations prudently.
Muli further asked those applying to ensure they give out the correct information and contact details, for easier traceability when the donations are being delivered.
“We have had cases where beneficiaries cannot be traced when it comes to deliveries, since they have changed mobile phone numbers they indicated in their application forms.
Oswe further revealed that NFDK had completed three flagship projects in the County in special institutions that cater for learners with disabilities.
The projects are; Sipili Special School where three classrooms have been put at a cost of Sh2,483, 085, Vocational Training Workshop in Ol Ng’arua Special School at a cost of Sh2,488,690 and a Multi-purpose Hall and Kitchen at Sh2,499,490.
Elizabeth Njoki, one of the beneficiaries who received hair salon equipment, could not hide her joy, saying that with the donation, she will be able to fend for her family and lead a comfortable life, since she will have a steady income.
“I am so grateful after getting the equipment, now I will be able to open my own salon and with the income I get, I will feed and educate my children comfortably,” Njoki said after receiving the donations.
By Martin Munyi and Naomi Gesare