The County Government of Kakamega in partnership with BethanyKids has distributed assistive devices worth Sh15 million to more than 580 persons with disabilities.
The distribution exercise was conducted during the commemoration of International Day for Persons with disabilities at Bukhungu Stadium Kakamega town.
Governor Fernandes Barasa who presided over the exercise said the devices were customized and fitted to meet the unique needs of each beneficiary.
He assured that the county government will continue providing assistive devices annually to enhance mobility and productivity among PWDs.
During the event, the governor also launched the County Social Protection Policy, a framework designed to ensure that people with disabilities benefit fully from county programmes.
The policy will guide the county administration in expanding access to essential services and empowering people with disabilities.
Governor Barasa highlighted several initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare of PWDs including accessibility in all county offices.
He said the county will establish a disability fund to support their activities and implement affirmative action in procurement, guaranteeing at least 5 per cent of tenders for PWDs groups.
“To strengthen inclusivity, we are also nurturing their talents in areas such as sports and music. This years’ Governor’s Cup has a special category for persons with disabilities,” the governor noted.
He added that two PWD groups from each of the county’s 60 wards will receive Sh50,000 microgrants each to boost their businesses.
Other interventions include allocating 10 per cent of Kazi Mashinani slots to PWDs and incorporating them in hospital management boards.
A representative from BethanyKids, Job Matumbai, announced that the organization will host the Great Wheel event in Kakamega during next year’s International Wheelchair Celebrations.
The event will feature six wheelchair users who will be flagged off in Kakamega and will travel in their wheelchairs to Kijabe, passing through towns such as Kisumu, Kericho for 11 days while creating awareness on physical disability and the importance of appropriate wheelchair use.
The Vice Board Chair of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Lawyer Aggrey Chitsama urged county governments to ensure PWDs are assisted to fully access affirmative action opportunities such as jobs and tenders.
“Despite efforts by employers to incorporate PWDs, they still get less than 2 percent of the available opportunities. Many do not know about these opportunities and those who do lack guidance on how to access them. They require affirmative action and counties must hold their hands to ensure they benefit,” he said.
by Moses Wekesa
