The government has spent Sh650,000 in equipping persons living with disabilities with tools for income creation and livelihood support in Marsabit County this year.
National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) successfully processed requests from 36 applicants who were on Saturday presented with trade tools like sewing machines, barber and welding kits, farming tools and hair salon kits.
The NFDK Programme Officer Amos Okeyo said they were given assistive devices which included wheelchairs, crutches and white canes.
Mr Okeyo while speaking during the presentation ceremony held at the county headquarters said 13 of the beneficiaries who opted for livestock would be assisted in purchasing the animals to enhance their livelihood at a cost of Sh195, 000.
“Each of the beneficiaries will receive goats valued at Sh15, 000,” he said and asked those charged with the responsibility to ensure the mission is accomplished after the drought situation has improved.
Mr Okeyo said the government was committed to tapping the potential of the disabled in society through the provision of necessary equipment and assistance in order to make them self-reliant.
Marsabit County Commissioner Paul Rotich called on chiefs and their assistants to enhance sensitisation to families with persons living with disabilities on the need to bring them out so that they can be assisted.
Mr Rotich said in remarks made on his behalf by the administration officer in his office Festus Chepkwony that there was need to mobilise those targeted by the programme.
The CC stressed that the government was keen at addressing the dependent condition among all Kenyans irrespective of their physical challenges.
He appealed to the community to accord respect and accommodate the physically-challenged and not to view them as a bad omen adding that the government was keen at actualising the affirmative action improvement framework.
Mr Rotich asked the beneficiaries to put the equipment given and other aid into good use as it was a major step towards poverty alleviation.
By Sebastian Miriti
