Socio- economic barriers have been cited as some of the impediments limiting the ability of persons with disabilities (PWDs) from achieving their goals in life.
National Fund for The Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) chairperson Professor Margaret Kamar says more initiatives need to be put in place to ensure such persons are empowered to enable them to attain their full potential in life.
Professor Kamar said they are working hand in hand with other stakeholders in providing practical solutions that can assist PWDs not only become self-reliant but also people who can contribute to the development of the country.
Such initiatives include provision of support services to PWDs through availing of resources and promoting awareness and advocacy.
She was speaking Wednesday during a presentation of donations to institutions of learning and People with Disabilities (PWDs) at the Central Region offices in Nyeri County.
During the ceremony, Kamar who is also a nominated Senator presided over a donation of small grants to ten institutions of learning within the Central Region totaling to Sh 2 million.
She also handed over an assortment of tools of trade and rehabilitative devices to 22 from Nyeri Central and Tetu PWDs worth Sh735,114.
“There are many existing barriers that hinder persons with disabilities from making progress in our society that include economic, social, physical, legal, political and even cultural. These barriers exclude persons with disabilities from fully and effectively participating in the society leading to limited opportunities for access to education, employment, healthcare, transportation and infrastructure as well as to political participation and access to justice. “she stated.
Kamar noted that with World Health Organization statistics showing PWDs account for nearly 15 percent global population, there was a need to enact proper measures to address the needs of such a minority group to ensure they are not left behind.
Such programs, she stated, must aim at promoting the culture of self-reliance and inclusive livelihoods through entrepreneurial activities.
Consequently, the NFDK chair said she was confident that the financial assistance and items presented during similar field visits will be of great help in assisting PWDs in economic empowerment and eradication of entrenched poverty synonymous in such families.
“Our programs are aimed at promoting self-reliance and inclusive livelihoods through entrepreneurship activities. These activities contribute to reduction of poverty among PWDs as well as their social inclusion. We also highly emphasize independence and inclusion through offering rehabilitative equipment and interventions as well as funding early intervention programmes.” She added.
Jacob Gikunju Gichuki who received a saloon kit lauded the move by the State-body in reaching out at them especially during their vulnerable moment.
Mr Gichuki who was born with a deformed limb and later lost the remaining part of the leg in 2016 following a grisly accident said he plans to open a hair dresser’s parlor where he hopes to be earning an income to support his family.
“I thank the Government for extending this kind gesture to us today and believe it will go a long way in helping us improve our lives. I intend to open a hair stylist shop which will be operated by my son and where we earn something to keep us going. Despite my condition, I am confident this kit will open a new chapter in my life where I can earn a livelihood without being physically present.” said the father of three who is a resident of Wamagana ward, Tetu Sub County.
On her part Elizabeth Wandia Kimaru, whose 30-year-old daughter was born deaf and dumb said the donation of a farming kit which included hose pipe, water pump, wheelbarrow and irrigation drips would help boost her agriculture production on her small farm.
Kimaru whose son is also mentally unsound thanked the Government for the equipment which she termed as a gift whose time has come.
She also revealed that her family has been receiving sh. 2,000 monthly stipend from the State as a stipend to cater for her son’s disability.
“Today I have been issued with a farming kit which I now intend to use in increasing food production on my piece of land. I came to collect the items on behalf of my son who lost his ability to speak and hear since birth and later became mentally disturbed meaning he cannot do anything for himself. I now hope to employ the use of the equipment to enable me to take care of him even as we try to improve our lives as a family.” she told KNA.
The Government through NFDK has so far spent Sh 54,867,524 in funding various flagship projects in the Central Region to date.
Nyeri County has so far received 9,821,025 as funding for the projects.
Similarly, a total of sh.11,670,412 has been disbursed as individual donations to 345 beneficiaries while sh.2.2 million has been used in funding small grant projects in the region.
In Nyeri Tumu Tumu School for the Deaf has received sh 200,000 to undertake renovation works of the dining hall, kitchen and girls’ ablution.
Others present during the event included Retired Major Marsden Madoka (trustee of the Fund), and Elizabeth Wanjohi (Property Manager) and the Fund’s acting CEO Anthony Muli.
By Samuel Maina
