Thirty-eight Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) from Mwala Sub County have benefitted from assistive devices and assorted working tools worth Sh452, 810 from the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK).
NFDK Programmes Officer Tabitha Mihari said the devices and tools of the trade are meant to enable the beneficiaries start income generating activities and become self-reliant.
Among the items distributed included wheelchairs, white cane, and leather kits, saloon kits, carpentry and farming tools, welding and knitting machines among others
Speaking outside the Mwala DCC’s office during the issuance of the items, Ms. Mihari said that so far NFDK has issued assistive devices and work tools worth Sh1.87 million to PWDs in Machakos County.
She urged the PWDs to utilize the items to fend for themselves and their families. “We want you to be good ambassadors and use the items to make money for yourselves,” added Ms. Mihari.
Speaking when he presided over the event, Masii Assistant County Commissioner Fredrick Kimani dissuaded the beneficiaries from selling the tools for quick money and instead use them for their long-term benefit.
“These are tools for empowerment and it will be unfortunate if you sell them,” said Kimani.
Agnes Syombua, a PWD expressed her gratitude for the farming tools she received saying the kit will help enhance her mango and coffee farming.
“I appreciate the kits and my agricultural production will definitely increase,” said Syombua.
By Roselyne Kavoo
