Kirinyaga County Assembly has passed the Disability Bill, 2023, a milestone for people with disabilities (PWD).
The bill, which was introduced in the second assembly and spearheaded by the Committee on Gender and Youth chaired by Benson Ngahu, aims to safeguard the rights and rehabilitation of PWDs.
It also seeks to improve their living standards and promote initiatives that contribute to their overall welfare and integration into mainstream activities.
Harrison Kariuki, MCA, nominated to represent PWDs in the County Assembly, says that the bill would address the challenges faced by PWDs.
It establishes a board that will advocate for and assist the Kirinyaga PWD community in matters affecting them.
“Historically, we have had PWDs being left behind, like when it comes to bursaries, since we don’t have a special budget set to benefit them. I am sure the board will help solve this to bring equity among Kirinyaga residents,” said Kariuki.
Kariuki further noted that persons with disabilities have often faced humiliation when seeking medical services, as they were required to have an interpreter, which compromises their privacy.
“We have different types of PWDs, each with unique needs. For example, a deaf person may go unnoticed, while those in wheelchairs require special care. I urge those building affordable housing to consider these needs,” said Kariuki.
Kariuki added that the board would champion 5 per cent as enshrined by the Constitution, ensuring it applies not only to blue-collar jobs but to all available opportunities.
Kariuki said the bill proposed the use of basic training programmes to help people dealing with PWDs understand their rights and how to live with them.
“It’s my call to the board once put in place to work closely with the Ministry of Gender at the county and national levels to make sure they have a Kirinyaga database of persons with disabilities since it will help trace them when need arises,” he said.
Kariuki urges family members of persons with disabilities to assist them in registering with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, as registration brings additional benefits.
“There will be the establishment of the fund to support PWDs, and this is a milestone since the fund will help to empower them economically, hence improving their living standards,” said Kariuki.
The bill, which received unanimous support from the MCAs, is now set to proceed to the governor for assent.
By David Wandeto
