The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) has donated empowerment equipment and grants to persons with disabilities and institutions of learners with disabilities amounting to Sh. 4.2 million in the Eastern Region.
A total of 21 institutions received cheques to support projects aimed at improving the learning environment, while individual PWDs received equipment such as barbering, salon, welding and farming kits.
Speaking during the ceremony held at Eastern Regional Headquarters in Embu Town, Fund Trustee David Musila said the region had received funding totaling Sh. 93 million since its inception in the early 80s.
He noted that 35 projects in various special schools had been funded at an average cost of Sh.3 million by the fund.
He appealed to other stakeholders, including the county governments, the private sector, and the media, to actively participate in the disability inclusion agenda.
“Mainstreaming disability matters is not the responsibility of the Fund alone. It calls for a collective effort. I urge the county governments and all sectors of society to step up and support programmes that empower persons with disabilities,” he said.
He said the tools donated to individuals are geared towards the self-reliance and resilience of PWDs to meet their needs in a sustainable and dignified manner, thus reducing dependency.
“These tools are essential in enabling recipients to participate fully in the socio-economic fabric of their communities, thereby promoting independence, productivity, and dignity,” he said.
Embu County Commissioner Jack Obuo called on the beneficiaries to use the kits they received for the intended purpose.
“Selling the equipment defeats the purpose. We want the sustainability of the project to be respected by the beneficiaries and the community,” he said.
By Samuel Waititu
