The government is committed to enhance the living standards of People with Disability (PWDs) and like in many other countries around the world, it has put in place policies, legal frameworks and programs to empower them.
And through the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK), at least fourteen PWDs in Gucha, Kisii County have benefitted from assortment of amenities, ranging from welding machines, hose pipes, wheelbarrows, leather tool kits, knitting machines with singer(s), white cane and salon equipment to empower them financially.
While addressing the beneficiaries at Deputy County Commissioner’s office grounds in Gucha, Rhoda Ambira NFDK Programme Manager said only a small number of applications were received from the area for the empowerment program.
Ms Ambira alludes this could be due to lack of information within the community about the program and stigmatization. “I am pleased to have met you today, and I must admit I am very happy and encouraged by the effort you have put in to be part of the beneficiaries list countrywide. I want to challenge you however to be good ambassadors of the program. Spread the word for others to apply and benefit,” urged Ambira.
Ambira reminded the beneficiaries to let-go of the stigma that disability is synonymous with abnormality. She said the government through NFDK and other initiatives is putting in efforts geared towards transforming afflicted individuals into productive members of society.
She at the same time reminded parents not to hide their disabled children saying such acts would deny them their right of access to social services. “Children born with a disability can be particularly disadvantaged if society attributes their impairment to a curse. Stigma may stop families from asking for help or information, leaving them unaware of their rights or of any support that is available,” the Programme Manager warned.
Present at the event, the area Assistant County Commissioner Mary Ndirangu, told the beneficiaries that having been given an opportunity through empowerment by NFDK, they should do great jobs so as to become an inspiration to the rest.
She urged the general public to recognize the untapped skills and talents possessed by people with disabilities as opposed to stigma and discrimination.
The ACC said that through the help of the area chiefs, the government will be monitoring those who benefited from the amenities to determine whether they are putting them into good use.
Copies of application forms for assistance were issued and PWDs interested were informed to access them from the offices of their respective chiefs.
National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya is an endowment fund established under the Trustees Act Cap 164 of the Laws of Kenya. The mandate of the Fund is to enhance social and economic empowerment of persons with disability in Kenya.
By Misheba Alfred
