Lack of accurate data hindering resource allocation for PWDs

According to the 2019 census, around 900,000 Kenyans live with different forms of disability.

Due to stigmatisation and discrimination for persons with disabilities, especially in some societies, most PWDs have not come out to register with the national council for persons with disabilities, making it hard to account for all persons.

Ahmed Mohamed Salat, Chief Officer for Persons with Disabilities and Social Services at the Garissa County Government, while outlining some of the efforts achieved over the last 20 years for persons with disabilities, called for streamlining of the PWD-related programmes.

Salat said that there are different organisations supporting PWDs but need to work in harmony so that instead of always meeting the same people, they can collect information and reach out to different people so that all can benefit.

“We do not currently have the up-to-date data for the persons with disabilities in Garissa County. I have been having meetings with our development partners and donors so that we can get the funds to conduct data collection for the persons with disabilities so that we can have proper planning and also see how to help them in each category,” Salat said.

“We also need to establish a channel where government institutions or partners can use to reach the persons with disabilities. This way, we will have a database on who has received support and those who have not so that we can stop the same people from disadvantaged others,” he added.

Mohamed Siyad, a PWD in Garissa, emphasized on the need for providing need-based support to persons with disabilities instead of the general donation of equipment without knowing if it will benefit the PWDs.

“I want to challenge all the relevant government institutions and partners to have reliable data for PWDs. Data and research are very essential so that we can know everyone’s needs, level of education, and what kind of assistive devices they need,” Siyad said.

“Some people need wheelchairs; others need hearing assistive devices, while others need frequent medical attention. Without knowing who wants what, we cannot fully support PWDs,” he added.

Siyad, at the same time, called on all persons with disabilities in the county to avail themselves at the Garissa County Referral Hospital, where assessment exercises are being carried out so that they may be able to be registered.

“I want to urge my fellow persons with disabilities to tap on the opportunities that the government, both national and county, the National Council for persons with disabilities, and even non-governmental organisations are offering towards their support,” he said.

“They should register to get their disability cards, apply for bursaries, and pursue their education to achieve their life goals. Disability is not inability and should not limit anyone from becoming whom they want to become in life,” he added.

Abdi Ali, a special school teacher, and the Garissa County Chairperson for Persons with Disabilities organisation called for more special schools to be established in the sub-counties to ease access to education for children with disabilities.

He also called on the government to increase capitation funding for special schools in the country, noting that more resources are needed to train disabled children.

“Only a few children, especially here in town, are attending schools in Garissa County. Those in the most interior areas have not been able to access education or even attend to their specialised medical needs because the special schools are in Town and it’s a long distance to travel here,” Ali said.

“Our society is growing because now, unlike in the past, people are coming out to accept and help persons with disabilities, which has reduced stigmatization. Parents are also not hiding their disabled children or preventing them from interacting with others and have known that they also have potential like any other children,” he added.

By Erick Kyalo