People Living With Disabilities (PWDs) in Nandi County, are set to be trained on various job skills in order to improve their living standards and be self-reliant.
According to Nandi County Deputy Governor, Dr. Yulita Mitei, the training will take place at the newly constructed multimillion Empowerment Center situated at Chemundu grounds, Emgwen Sub-county. The facility is owned by all categories of disabled people.
Among the skills that will be offered include, baking, shoe making, fruit juice making, cobbler and shoe shining.
Dr. Mitei said the centre will also promote disabled people financially, emotionally, spiritually as well as empower their care givers with skills for financial independence.
Speaking in his office, the deputy Governor stated that reaching out to people with disabilities has been one of the agenda of the county government.
“We want to ensure individuals living with disabilities, have equal access to opportunities, and enjoy quality life in all dimensions in an inclusive society,” she said.
According to records, the County has over 23,000 disabled people out of whom only 5,000 have come out to publicly speak about their conditions.
The Deputy Governor noted that through the networks that the County Government has established with other partners like Kenya Society for the Blind, they have received a donation of 30 laptops, which is going to support the empowerment center.
She said throughout their budget, the County Government has been able to avail resources to PWDs, to enable them live dignified lives and become productive members in the society.
“We have been able to supply 343 tools of trade, among them salon kits and sewing machines, to support disabled people earn an income and be able to sustain their livelihood,” Dr. Mitei added.
He went on: “Besides tools of trade, we have largely majored on assistive devices where we have been able to supply 2,347assistive devices which includes wheel chairs, canes, walkers, mobility cards and crutches in the last four years,” she said.
Mitei said along the way, they identified and worked with various partners who have supported PWDs.
“In total those who have been served through our partners like APDK, Bethany kids is 2, 271,” he disclosed
Individuals who spoke to KNA stated that the Empowerment Center will promote rehabilitation to individuals living with physical disability by offering psychological, emotional and social support.
“We are happy that the County Administration has remembered PWDs. We encourage them to come out in large numbers and learn various skills, so that they can better their lives,” said Martin Chepkwony.
He said there is need to encourage PWDs to tell their stories and celebrate their achievements, adding that disability is not inability and some of them could perform better than those physically fit.
“Let us embrace those individuals abled differently in our society and love them,” he said.
By Linet Wafula
