The Kiambu County Assembly has passed the Kiambu County Persons with Disability (PWD) Bill 2024, also known as Kiambu County Bills No. 2 of 2024.
The report on the bill which had earlier undergone public participation was moved by Hon. Monicah Wanjiru Kiguru on behalf of Hon. Edward Kinyanjui (MCA, Nyathuna Ward) who had initiated the process to have the bill in place.
The Bill process was conducted by the Committee on Youth, Sports and Social Services which is Chaired by Hon. John Njogu (MCA, Gitothua Ward).
During the afternoon sittings chaired by Speaker Hon. Charles M. Thiong’o and MCAs expressed satisfaction with the county government’s bill, describing it as a long-overdue initiative to assist those differently abled.
While giving his input, Deputy Majority Party Whip, Francis Koina and the MCA, Kiambu Township Ward said that the legislation will serve as a barrier to curb discrimination of the less fortunate within the County.
“Public participation engaged PWDs, who expressed discrimination and requested empowerment fund allocation. Bill addresses issues, ensuring representation in key county government functions,” said Koina.
For instance, a number of MCAs aired their options starting with, Pacifica Ongecha (MCA, Nominated) said, “this legislation is coming in handy not only to the county but it’s a requirement to the whole globe to have inclusivity of all PWDs in all spheres for them to access all available opportunities.”
Rebecca Nyaruai another (MCA, Nominated) said the legislation also gives an opportunity to any employer who has engaged services of a PWD to enjoy waiver of charges and fees from the County Government expanding the scope of job opportunities to them.
Karuri MCA, Peter Wainaina said, “disability is not inability, and this is a great achievement to the PWDs. The Board created under this legislation will act as a channel for them to air their grievances to the County Governments for consideration.”
Ann Wacera (MCA, Nominated) also said that the legislation is an enabler for PWDs to easily acquire new generation disability cards for easy access of government services.
While thanking the Members for their dedication and commitment towards realization of the legislation, the Speaker said that they are indeed trailblazers of such a noble law that will change and shape the future landscape of PWDs in the County.
He also singled out Hon. Kinyanjui and Hon Jacinta Bacha (MCA, Nominated representing the PWDs in the Assembly) for their immense contribution towards the initiative.
Thiong’o at the same time reiterated the MCAs commitment to their service to the people of Kiambu promising enactment of more legislations aimed at promoting growth and development.
Hon. Kinyanjui said, “I am greatly touched by the overwhelming support from my colleagues in coming with this bill. I am proud it will help many generations to come.”
Members of public from the PWDs sector who contributed a great deal to the development of the bill also attended the sitting at the public gallery.
By Wangari Ndirangu
