Persons with disabilities in Thika have been encouraged to register with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities in order to benefit from various programmes rolled out by the government.
Speaking at Gatuanyaga ward while conducting a week-long registration exercise in Thika, County Disability Officer Ivy Nzuki who represents the interests of disabled people in the county, said there were a lot of opportunities that people with disabilities were missing out on and the exercise was part of an awareness programme that would sensitize the community.
“I urge people with disability in the county who have not registered to apply for registration immediately so they can benefit from the government funds for the vulnerable groups among them bursaries and Biashara fund,” Nzuki said.
She further cautioned parents who hide children with disabilities pointing out that they denied them their constitutional rights to education and freedom and any parent who hides such child was liable to prosecution.
She asked caregivers of all persons with disability and persons with disability to avail themselves to their nearest registration venue for the registration exercise.
She asked them to show up with copies of their identity cards or birth certificates for those under 18 years of age, and passport sized photos for their data to be captured during registration.
The registration for PWDs who reside in Township ward would be at St Patrick’s Special School, Hospital ward at Social hall, Kamenu Ward at Maguguni Primary school, Gatuanyaga ward at Gatuanyaga primary school and Ngoliba Ward at Maria Magdalena Special School.
According to NCPWD, registered members get a Persons with Disabilities national identification card that is recognized across various divisions both in the public and private sectors in an effort to encourage their inclusion in activities that are geared towards achieving National Development goals and their human rights and dignity upheld.
The Persons with Disability Act 14 of 2003 stipulates that disability is a physical, sensory, mental, or other impairment, including any visual, hearing, learning, or physical limitations that impact adversely on the social, economic or environmental participation of a person.
By Hellen Lunalo
