The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) has donated business startup grants and equipment to 21 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nyando and Muhoroni Sub-Counties in Kisumu County.
The items include sewing machines, knitting machines, hair salon equipment, livestock, farming tools, welding machines, carpentry tools and assistive devices are given to the PWDs free of charge to uplift their living standards.
The Assistant programme manager at NFDK, Isaac Aliya noted that the donations of physical equipment seek to economically empower and enable the PWDs participate in sustainable income-generating activities.
“The donations to individuals’ program provide the beneficiaries with various machines and trade tools to enable them engage in start-ups in the areas they are skilled in,” Aliya stated during the distribution of the items in aid of PWDs at the Nyando Deputy County Commissioner’s (DCC) office on Thursday.
Peter Adero while representing Nyando Sub-County DCC Elijah Maranga at the event, noted that the program has been running for many years empowering thousands of locals who are abled differently.
He cautioned the beneficiaries against selling the items but instead put them into good use to transform their lives.
“This is a life changing opportunity. Use the equipment well to change your lives, your families and your communities at large,” Adero stated.
Besides, NFDK has also massively invested in the education sector through construction of ablution blocks, dormitories, classrooms and other amenities in public primary, secondary and vocational colleges to uplift the vulnerable members of the society.
“We give grants to institutions towards supporting them to improve or increase the infrastructure which they cater for Persons with Disabilities. This grant facilitates such institutions to take care of more PWDs and better their lives,” Aliya said.
He emphasised that the primary goal of constructing and upgrading education facilities is to make them child-friendly, disability-inclusive, and gender-sensitive, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and effective learning environment for all.
He further urged parents of children with disabilities not to keep them at home, but to enroll them in these institutions to support their growth and development.
By Robert Ojwang’ and Wesley Odhiambo
