Persons living with Disability (PWDs) can contribute to development of a nation if given resources to support their dignity, rights and well-being, the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Public Service, Gender, Senior Citizens Affairs and Special Programmes, Prof. Margaret Kobia has said.
Prof Kobia noted that there is need to encourage, PWDs to tell their stories, celebrate their achievements, capabilities and demonstrate clarity of their potential.
Speaking at KICC, Friday, during commemoration of International Day of Persons living with Disabilities (IDPD) and the launch of the Status Report on Disability Inclusion in Kenya, 2021 and digital registration system for persons with disability, the CS said that there is need to promote understanding of disability issues.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly to create awareness and mobilize support for advancement of the wellbeing of persons with disabilities.
Kenya signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2007 and ratified it in 2008. It was part of the team that negotiated for the CRPD by sending delegations to international meetings from 2003 to 2006 when the CRPD was being written in New York, USA. International Day of Persons with Disability was founded to advance disability rights and protect PWD.
This year’s theme is “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post Covid-19 world”
Prof. Kobia further appreciated the National Council of Persons with Disability (NCPWD) for their efforts in bringing PWD together and leading advocacy issues associated with PWD.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) Country Representative, Adehola Olajide, said there is need to do continuous evaluation of the progress made so far on PWD issues.
“This commemoration provides an opportunity to evaluate the progress made among PWD,” said Olajide.
The UNFP Country Representative urged the government to continue harnessing PWDs’ contribution through integrating them in leadership positions.
Highlighting that PWDs often experienced challenges in advancing their socio-economic activities, Olajide thanked the government for its efforts in cushioning them against the effects of covid-19 pandemic.
National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) Chairperson, Peter Muchiri, said that the Council is committed to support the government in ensuring that the intended development goal regarding PWD is achieved.
“We are committed to support the government in ensuring that the intended development goal regarding PWD is achieved,” said Muchiri.
By Catherine Muindi and Moffin Opilio
