About 20 institutions and 25 persons living with disabilities in Eastern region have benefited from equipment and cheques worth Sh.7.5million from the state.
The equipment, included tool kits of barber shops, hair salon, welding, leatherwork and carpentry, battery chargers, knitting machines and wheelchairs.
The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya, Vice Chairman, Peter Nyakiamo said the institutions got cheques worth Sh.6.6 million, while the disabled received Sh.900, 000 worth of equipment
He said the equipment is intended to uplift the livelihoods of the beneficiaries and called on them to use it for the intended purposes.
The Eastern Regional Coordinator, Wycliffe Ogallo who also attended the event on Tuesday warned those found selling the equipment or using them for purposes not intended that they will be arrested and prosecuted.
“We have information that some beneficiaries sell the equipment, others take them to shylock as security to get loans. In some instances, those given livestock sell them as soon as they get them. We are on high alert and this will not be tolerated,” he said.
He also called on the beneficiaries to consider joining groups to be able to network and share ideas on how to empower themselves.
Former Kitui Senator, David Musila, a trustee at the Board, urged the government both national and county to consider awarding tenders to such persons, as required by the law as a form of empowerment.
By Muoki Charles
