The Kakamega County Disability Caucus has urged the County Government to financially support Persons with disabilities (PWDs) to start income generating activities.
The Secretary General of the Caucus Catherine Shiundu also asked the county government to waive rates for persons with disabilities and stop County Enforcement Officers from harassing them as they operate respective businesses.
She noted that recently, some PWDs in the area have shied away from engaging in business activities like hawking due to constant harassment by enforcement officers.
Shiundu was speaking during the Kakamega County Disability Caucus Annual General Meeting held at Daisy Special School on Sunday.
The Chairperson of the Caucus Lucy Mulombi said they will continue to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities: “As organizations for persons with disabilities, we emphasize the need for inclusion in every sphere of life because matters of disability can never be achieved if we are not included,” she added.
Mulombi also said that the caucus will collaborate with both the County government, the National government and other like-minded partners to ensure that persons with disabilities achieve their dreams.
Speaking during the same occasion, the Kakamega County Director of Social Services and Culture Gaudencia Otipa said the partnership with the caucus has enabled the county government to address PWDs needs seamlessly.
She noted that the devolved unit empowered 120 PWDs self-help groups by granting each of them Sh50,000 to plough into their businesses during the last financial year.
She said the groups are also included in the Shelter Improvement programme where the county government constructs decent houses for selected beneficiaries. The beneficiaries also benefit from blankets and mattresses at no cost.
“As a county government we make sure that the vulnerable are taken care of in the society, notably, we construct shelters for persons with disabilities alongside other vulnerable groups. We build 360 houses every year,” she added.
Danson Moseti from the United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK) said that the organization will continue to support Organizations championing for the wellbeing of PWDs at the grassroots.
By Moses Wekesa
