About 3,000 people living with disability, widows, and vulnerable children from Tigania Central, Meru County had a reason to smile after they received gifts of foodstuffs from a philanthropist Mike Makarina who also doubles as their patron.
Speaking during the distribution of the foodstuffs as well as money in cash, Mr. Makarina who is also the Meru County People living with Disability (PWDs) Chairperson said he felt the need to spread love to the group of people some of whom spend hungry nights for lack of food.
Mr. Makarina said he came up with the initiative and approached the Director of Criminal Investigations George Kinoti who made some input to ensure that the foodstuffs got to those in need and living in rural areas.
“I want to thank Mr. Kinoti for supporting us in this initiative and he has promised to see to it that our people who are abled differently have been empowered in the best ways possible so they can start generating their own income,” said Mr. Makarina.
He at the same time announced that the DCI boss had already donated a Sh3 Million laundry machine to Tuuru and Chaaria children’s homes which will help the caregivers in ensuring the children’s clothes were cleaned with ease.
Mr. Makarina who has also been in the frontline in championing for Disability Rights and Inclusion in the county programs said they were happy with the county government of Meru’s initiatives for the PWDs adding that they will continue to collaborate to ensure the group was empowered just like other Kenyans.
“The government has already announced plans to ensure all persons living with disability in the county have medical cover and this will help us greatly,” said Mr. Makarina who also called on the PWDs to join the Sacco formed for them by the County government to borrow money to grow their businesses.
“We should not sit and wait to be helped by well-wishers. Those who have the ability in one way or the other should engage in productive businesses to get at least a little money that can uplift their living standards,” said Mr. Makarina.
By Dickson Mwiti
