The Kirinyaga County Assembly has unanimously backed a motion seeking to improve the registration and support of persons with disabilities (PWDs), with a strong call for immediate implementation by the relevant county departments.
The motion was moved by nominated MCA Harrison Bundi, who represents persons with disabilities at the Assembly.
Bundi highlighted the urgent need for accurate and comprehensive data to support inclusive planning and improve access to essential services.
“Many persons with disabilities remain unregistered, effectively locking them out of government programmes and social protection initiatives,” Bundi noted.
He added that there are different categories of persons with disabilities in the county, each requiring specific attention and tailored support, noting that proper data will help ensure no group is left out.
In the motion, the County Department of Gender has been tasked with undertaking a countywide registration and verification exercise for all persons with disabilities in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
The department is also expected to develop and maintain an updated, centralised database to guide planning, budgeting and targeted service delivery.
Bundi said if proper registration is done, even when county resources are not enough, the county can still attract support from donors.
He said with proper planning and a well-organised department, supported by accurate data on persons with disabilities, it becomes easier for development partners to come in and supplement county efforts.
The nominated MCA added that this kind of structured approach would not only strengthen resource mobilisation but also improve accountability and efficiency in service delivery.
He emphasized that good organisation and reliable data would ensure that support reaches the deserving beneficiaries in a more coordinated and transparent manner.
The motion further calls on the department to work closely with the health and education sectors to ensure early identification of persons with disabilities, especially at the Early Childhood Development (ECD) level, to facilitate access to specialised services.
It also outlines the need for clear frameworks to identify beneficiaries of tax relief, assistive devices and other empowerment programmes while strengthening awareness campaigns at the grassroots to encourage registration and reduce stigma.
“These measures are aimed at ensuring no person with a disability is left behind in accessing services and opportunities within Kirinyaga County,” he added.
While debating the motion, Murinduko Ward MCA Charles Nyamu criticized key institutions for failing to maintain proper records, particularly in the education sector.
He pointed out the lack of clear and reliable data on learners with disabilities, especially at the Early Childhood Development (ECD) level, saying the gap has made it difficult to plan, budget and allocate adequate resources for inclusive education.
Nyamu observed that without proper records, many children with disabilities risk being left out of key government support systems, including learning materials, assistive devices, and specialised education support.
He noted that this continues to affect effective planning at the school level and weakens coordination between education officers and relevant county departments responsible for inclusion.
He further supported the proposal in the motion for the establishment of a Board for persons with disabilities, saying it would strengthen coordination, improve accountability, and ensure proper representation in decision-making processes.
Nyamu said that once the board is operational, persons with disabilities in Kirinyaga would benefit more from structured programmes, improved planning, and better access to county services and opportunities.
He challenged relevant departments to take initiative and conduct direct field assessments instead of remaining in offices waiting for reports from schools.
“They should not sit in offices; they need to go to the ground and do the work in advance,” Nyamu said, insisting that proactive engagement would ensure accurate data and timely support for learners and other PWDs.
MCA Kennedy Mwendia (Nyangati Ward) and nominated MCA Persia Nduta emphasized the need for proper planning and identification of persons with disabilities within the education system, as well as the provision of specialized services. They also called for clear systems to identify beneficiaries of tax relief and other support programmes.
The Assembly adopted the motion, marking a significant step toward strengthening inclusion in Kirinyaga County. Speaker Muteti Murimi directed the Department of Gender to move with speed and implement the resolutions as outlined in the motion.
The department is now expected to spearhead a countywide registration drive, enhance data collection, and ensure all measures proposed by the Assembly are put into action.
By David Wandeto
