Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have been advised to take advantage of government programmes to help uplift their living standards.
National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) Board member David Musila says the government has continued to increase allocation to PWDs across the country to enable them to lead their lives like ordinary Kenyans.
The former Kitui Senator said previously PWDs felt segregated by society owing to their condition but are now contributing greatly to the development of the country.
He was speaking during the issuing of Cheques to 13 institutions of learning and assistive devices and vocational tools to 22 PWDs at the Nyeri Regional Commissioner’s grounds.
“We are here today to donate equipment and Cheques as response to the applications you had made to the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya. This fund was started by the late President Daniel Moi at a time when persons with disabilities were not taken very seriously by society. But today we are here to make you feel that you are part and parcel of the government,” he stated.
“As you receive this equipment, make sure you utilize it in ways that can uplift your livelihoods. In the past we used to donate wheelchairs, but with time we changed this into giving out things that can improve the lives of the beneficiaries, such as agricultural farming kits, sewing machines, and barber kits, over and above the assistive devices,” he explained.
“Let the vision of this Fund live to help uplift the lives of the less fortunate in society. As a board we implore you to put what you have received today to ventures that can improve your lives. Let none dupe you into selling what has been handed over to you for quick gains, “he added.
Nyeri County Commissioner Josephat Biwott lauded the Fund for coming up with ingenious programs to assist PWDs be self-reliant.
Biwott assured the board members of his commitment in ensuring the donations were put into proper use and for the intended purpose.
“In Nyeri County we have so far registered a total of 56,348 persons with disabilities through the E-Citizen online platform. Out of this number we are happy to report that 22 of them are here with us today,” pointed out Biwott.
The administrator also cautioned the beneficiaries against misusing the tool kits and assistive devices saying such acts would be treated as criminal offences which are punishable by law.
He said his office would work hand in hand with other government institutions such as colleges and universities to help source for business premises within such centers where PWDs can operate their small businesses from.
Biwott similarly promised to ensure the beneficiaries undergo capacity building training to equip them with basic entrepreneurial skills.
“We are going to involve assistant commissioners and assistant chiefs in monitoring how these donations are being utilized. We are also going to liaise with the directors of social development and the micro, small, and medium enterprises in undertaking capacity-building training for the beneficiaries to help them come up with profitable ventures.
Finally, towards the end of every three months we shall be inviting the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya to undertake an evaluation exercise on how well our beneficiaries have put to use what was handed over to them,” he pointed out.
Ms Beatrice Wangari, who received assorted farming equipment thanked the Board of Trustees for the gesture and promised to put it into proper use in improving her sweet potato production.
Wangari, who is visually impaired said she was excited when she learnt that her name was included among the successful applicants out of dozens of people who had sent their applications.
“I am so glad to have been listed among the 22 Persons with Disabilities who are going to benefit through this program today. This farming tool kit equipment will greatly boost my sweet potato production. I wish to advise those living with disabilities not to give up but take advantage of similar Government programs that can help uplift their living standards,” said Wangari.
On his part, Titus Gitonga, who received a barber tool kit, said he was raring to go and begin his own barber shop as soon as he arrived at his home in Mathathaini village in Tetu.
“I have received a barber tool kit, which I plan to utilize in eking my daily bread. Although I don’t have a proper business premises, I intend to improvise a part of my house into a barber shop from where I can work,” said Gitonga, who is 61.
In total, NFDK donated assistive devices and vocational tools of trade valued at Sh.879,560 during the event.
By May last year, the government, through NFDK, had spent a total of Sh 54,867,524 on funding various flagship projects in the Central Region.
Similarly, a total of Sh.11,670,412 was disbursed as individual donations to 345 beneficiaries while Sh. 2.2 million was used in funding small grant projects
During that year Nyeri County received a total of Sh 9,821,025 as funding for the projects.
By Samuel Maina and Patience Wangechi
