The Nyandarua County Assembly Committee on Health Services has called upon the County Executive to urgently upscale community outreach programs meant to identify and support persons with disabilities.
More frequent field visits will promote early detection of disabilities and implement public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and enhance access to services for PWDs.
Responding to a statement sought by Specially Elected Member Joyce Munyua on the status of registration and rehabilitation for persons with disabilities within Nyandarua County, Isaac Kung’u, a nominated MCA informed the House that the County had made commendable progress in addressing the health and rehabilitative needs of persons with disabilities.
However, he noted that the services remain centralized, under-resourced, and unevenly distributed across the county.
“Urgent investment in infrastructure, human resources, and modern equipment is essential. With deliberate action and sufficient funding, the county can make significant strides toward inclusive and equitable health services for all PWDs,” said Kung’u.
He made the response on behalf of the Chairperson for Health Services and MCA for Kipipiri, Paul Ngeche.
Kung’u further urged the Executive to accelerate recruitment of the required human resource including physiotherapists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists and orthopedic technologists, noting that the county had very few who were overwhelmed by work. They are however complemented by visiting specialists when need arises.
Earlier engagement with the CECM for gender Agnes Njunji indicated that the county government intends to increase the frequency of outreach assessments in sub-counties and establish fixed assessment points in each sub-county hospital.
On this, the house concurred with the committee that in Kipipiri, Ol’joroorok, and Ndaragwa sub counties, disability assessment exercises should be done in collaboration with the County Disability Office.
The house also observed there is need for expediting the upgrade from Level III to Level IV health facilities like Manunga Ndaragwa, Njabini and Bamboo to decentralize care while ensuring each upgraded facility has at least one physiotherapist and occupational therapist.
The Committee implored the County to empower Community Health Promoters by providing them with refresher training on disability advocacy and referral mechanisms.
It also noted the need for embarking on targeted disability awareness campaigns in partnership with local leaders and community-based organisations.
More than 700 persons living with disabilities in Nyandarua County were registered in the last financial year.
By Antony Mwangi
