The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in Kiambu has provided food and essential items to the most vulnerable individuals in the county in post activities of the commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
The program was conducted in collaboration with Syngenta Seeds Kenya Pollen in Ruiru and aimed to provide relief to marginalized and vulnerable persons with disabilities (PWDs).
This initiative was aligned with the international theme for this year: “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.”
Food and essential items were distributed across all 12 sub-counties, with each hamper containing packages of green grams, maize, wheat flour, rice cooking oil, and adult diapers where necessary.
Speaking during Kiambu Disability Day held at the county headquarters, Governor Paul Kimani Wamatangi reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting inclusivity by ensuring Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are represented in leadership and employment opportunities.
“I have directed the County procurement department to ensure that persons living with disabilities, women, and youth receive 30 percent of exclusive county tenders set aside for them in all categories, in compliance with the Public Procurement and Disposal Act,” he said
He highlighted that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) will also be eligible for the remaining 70 percent of opportunities, provided they apply and demonstrate their ability to perform the roles effectively.
He further assured Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) of his commitment to fulfilling the promises made to them.
“The County is working on regulations that will see the full implementation of the County Disability Act of 2023, which will ensure their needs and benefits are anchored in the law, including budgetary allocations,” he stated
Speaking to KNA during the distribution of relief items, Kiambu County Disability Services Officer (DSO) Josphat Mokoit urged unregistered individuals to come forward and register to fully enjoy the benefits and financial aid provided through membership in the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWDs).
“A disability certificate is an essential document for every Person with a Disability (PWD) to access the full range of benefits provided by the NCPWDs. Anyone seeking assistance from the council must first register as a member,” he stated
The NCPWDs recently introduced the Autism and Neuro-developmental Disabilities Program, a specialized initiative designed to support Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) with neuro-developmental conditions. The program provides access to medical therapy, assistive devices like wheelchairs and standing aids, and educational opportunities through special education scholarships.
The DSO emphasized the importance of ensuring accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across the county. He highlighted the need to make public places, vehicles, and buildings more inclusive, enabling PWDs to work and move smoothly in an environment that supports their needs.
“Although the county government has done a lot to help PWDs, most of them still grapple with accessibility challenges to public spaces and buildings,” Mokuit stated.
Mokoit called on the county government to address the uncovered drainage trenches at Makongeni Bus Park in Thika, highlighting past accidents involving Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). He emphasized the need for immediate action to enhance safety and accessibility.
The officer further urged the government to increase the budget allocation in order to adequately support the growing number of registered Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). He stated that the current funds are insufficient compared to the rising number of PWDs in the county.
Nancy Waceke, a mother of a child with cerebral palsy—a neuromata disability urged the government, through the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, to allocate more funds to reach out to individuals like her and provide greater support.
“We urge the government to increase the budget allocated for persons with disabilities to help us cover the high cost of care they need and to extend support to more individuals facing similar challenges,” Waceke said
The International Day for Persons with Disabilities was officially celebrated on December 3rd 2024 across the world, but activities related to the day continue happening across the country.
By John Kariba
