Calls to have persons with disability (PWDs) integrated in the society and treated with respect was the key message reiterated during the launch of the Rotary Sunshine Rally in Mt Kenya region.
The event that took place at Kirinyaga University brought together members under the Rotary International, people with disability, county government representatives and other stakeholders.
The Rotary Sunshine Rally was founded in 1979 by industrialist Manu Chandaria with an aim to create awareness on persons living with disability.
Speaking during the launch, Kirinyaga County Gender CEC member Millicent Ngari called on Kenyans to observe the rights of PWDs by treating them with respect and dignity.
“PWDs should not be segregated or treated like lesser people in the society. We are all candidates to be disabled and as such we need to prioritize the needs and help those who already are in that state,” she said.
Ngari said as a county government they have rolled out diverse programmes that have led to the empowerment of the PWDs such as enacting the county PWDs policies, disbursement of bursary to the special group and distribution of assistive devices.
Joe Kamau, a representative from Rotary international hailed the programme on PWDs saying it will go a long way in positively making a difference into the lives of the less privileged people across Mt Kenya region.
Kamau lauded the participants for their sacrifice in volunteering their time, energy and resources in undertaking various philanthropic activities within their communities. He also called on more volunteers to join in the course of offering their services to the community to bolster the club’s activities.
He added that their activities range from among others environment related projects and basic education for the disadvantaged members of the society.
“Our work is service to the community with an aim to make a difference. It is estimated that last year Rotarians worldwide spent 150 million man hours serving their communities and the numbers keep rising by the day,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Rotarian Judith Karimi from Kirinyaga chapter of Mt Kenya region who called on parents not to neglect or shy away from taking their disabled kids to school.
She said as Kirinyaga chapter they have implemented various programmes that greatly benefit disabled school going children amongst them building and renovating classrooms and other facilities.
Rotarian Saum Siraj urged all Kenyans to be mindful of how they treat PWDs. She called for inclusion of the group in various leadership groups and advocated for their education and health.
One of Kirinyaga County Assembly MCA Harrison Kariuki who represents PWDs hailed the foundation for investing its time and resources in bettering the lives of the special group.
He noted that the partnership between the foundation and the government will go a long way in reducing stigma and empowering the disabled.
As a leader, he pledged to continue championing the rights of the group in various sectors which are among others education and health.
By Mutai Kipngetich
