Tharaka Nithi Woman Representative Susan Ngugi has called on Kenyans to include persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in their activities during the festive season.
Speaking during a visit to Kiraro PWDs Group in Maara Constituency, the legislator highlighted the need to assist persons living with disabilities through inclusivity and accessibility for equal opportunities and rights, ensuring that they are fully integrated into the society.
“Let us love and show care to PWDS, especially by including them in our programmes during this time of festivities. Instead of neglecting them, let us make them feel part of our families and communities, as well as check on their security since many people take advantage to an extent of defiling them in the shadow of the festivities,” said Ms. Ngugi.
“Do not lock them in the house; if you are going for festivities, ensure you tag them along. If you are buying shoes or clothes for your loved ones, also remember PWDs are part of our families. They are our gifts from God; do not feel embarrassed by them,” she added.
Through her office, Ms. Ngugi disclosed that the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) had empowered persons living with disabilities through enhancing access to financial aid as a way of improving their socio-economic well-being and promotion of enterprises and asked other elected leaders to include PWDs in their disbursements and allocations.
“I am requesting all other elected leaders in the county to remember that we all have a responsibility, through our specific offices, to protect the interests and support persons living with disabilities. Through funds such as the Uwezo Fund under the Members of Parliament and County Government allocations, we can all make an impact and support PWDs just like other special groups under affirmative action,” she said.
The Woman Representative further called on the government to ensure all hospitals in the country are well equipped with Rehabilitative Medical personnel, drugs and equipment which play a crucial role in the care of PWDs.
She pointed out that most health facilities lack personnel or equipment to help them function.
“We appeal to both the national and county governments to ensure rehabilitative medicine departments are fully operational and have the necessary equipment such as mobility devices, assistive technology and gadgets so that PWDs can benefit from them. In addition, the equipment should be made affordable,” she said.
The legislator disbursed foodstuffs and money for the festivities to Kiraro PWDs Group which has 30 members.
By David Mutwiri and Blaise Gitonga
