People Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) have been asked to take advantage of government opportunities both at the national and county government levels, as enshrined in the constitution of Kenya.
Speaking during a training in Narok, Ahmed Maalim, the project manager of the Northern Nomadic Disabled Persons Organization (NONDO), said people with disabilities should take advantage of government opportunities by registering their self-help groups with social services, opening businesses, and registering companies so as to be awarded government tenders that were preserved for them.
“Disabled persons should register groups and open businesses in order to apply for government tenders and be included in activities that concern them in society,” added Maalim.
Maalim said PLWDs should raise their concerns for inclusion in income generating activities that will help sustain them in their day-to-day needs and live a dignified life.
Maalim asked people with Disabilities to create movements to amplify their voices, stressing that by uniting their voices as an organized group, they can break barriers, combat marginalization, and ensure that their perspectives and needs are heard and addressed.
Through their registration, PLWDs will be able to receive funding from donors, financial institutions, and other Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) that support the needs of disabled persons in the country.
On his part, Reuben Mpatiany, chairperson of the Narok County Albinism Association, said the forum is to train the PLWDS on the legal framework of their constitutional rights, the budgetary framework, and their inclusion in the government.
“We appreciate the opportunity as a PLWD society in the county of Narok. I’m sure we will take advantage of the opportunities given to us by the constitution of Kenya,” Mpatiany said.
However, Mpatiany asked the sports office to consider inviting people with Disabilities to join parasports activities such as para volleyball as a way of empowering them in society.
The county director of Social Services, Johnson Ole Kimojino, said the County integrated development plan has ensured the PWDs were included and their rights are preserved for themselves so that they can enjoy their rights.
Kimonjino noted that the county government has a kitty for people with disabilities in the county, like bursaries, and has partnered with other NGOs in order to improve their livelihoods in the county.
“We have partnered with NGOs so that equipment such as wheelchairs and crutches, among others, will be given to the disabled and to support their educational welfare as well,” Kimojino said.
The PWDs were trained on fighting corruption in society as well as being called upon not to hide their disabled children in houses because it’s an infringement on the rights of disabled persons in society.
By John Kaleke
