Hundreds of persons living with disabilities (PWDs) assembled at the Isiolo County Referral Hospital for an assessment exercise.
The initiative aims to facilitate their registration with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) so as to enable eligible individuals to access a wide range of government support services.
Speaking at the exercise, NCPWD Chief Executive Officer Dr. Michael Munene said those who qualify will benefit from tax exemptions, among other key benefits aligned for them by the government.
He noted that registration is significant to ensuring persons with disabilities receive targeted assistance according to the level of their status.
Dr. Munene explained that individuals with albinism are supported with sunscreen lotions and other necessary protective requirements while those with mobility challenges are provided with assistive devices to improve their quality of life.
Registered members can also benefit from cash transfer programmes and education bursaries as well as be eligible for various forms of tax relief depending on their status.
A representative of the Ministry of Health’s Department of Physiotherapy, Ms. Martha Mumasi, highlighted the role of rehabilitation services and clarified that not all assessed people qualify for tax exemptions, as eligibility depends on specific criteria.
Isiolo Chief Officer for Health Services Dr Mohamud Abdikadir said the two-day exercise has attracted participants from neighbouring counties of Meru, Laikipia and Marsabit.
A PWD spokesperson, Mr. Mugo Gioko, urged the area people who are not registered to take advantage of the ongoing assessment, noting that in the region, they were yet to be registered as persons living with disabilities.
By David Nduro
