The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) has distributed tools worth Sh4.8 million to 24 special schools and institutions in the Rift Valley region to enhance learning for learners with disabilities.
The fund, a state corporation under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, also issued assorted work tools to persons with disabilities (PWDs) to boost their economic self-reliance during an empowerment drive held at the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner’s Office in Nakuru.
NFDK’s mandate is to enhance the social and economic empowerment of persons with disabilities in Kenya through grants, tools of trade, and assistive devices.
Speaking during the event, NFDK Chairman, Prof. Francis Kibera, said the grant to the 24 institutions will help address infrastructure gaps, purchase learning materials, and improve accessibility for learners with disabilities.
“These donations are part of our Small Grants Programme for institutions of learning. We target schools that have admitted learners with disabilities and are registered with the Ministry of Education,” Prof. Kibera indicated.
The Fund’s Programmes Delivery Charter shows that institutions qualify after meeting eligibility criteria whereby funding is done once a year on a rolling application basis.
Besides the donations to schools, the event also saw individual PWDs receive tools of trade under NFDK’s Economic Empowerment programme.
The tools, ranging from sewing machines and welding kits to carpentry and salon equipment, are meant to help beneficiaries start or expand income-generating activities.
Kelvin Maina, a 25-year-old beneficiary who received hair-cutting machines and equipment, said the support would change his life.
“I am a trained barber but lacked a machine to start my business. This is the beginning of my independence,” he said.
To qualify for tools, applicants must be persons with disability, formally trained or apprenticed to use the requested items.
NFDK also supports PWDs with other devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, and hearing aids. All services are offered at no cost to applicants.
The fund urged more schools and PWDs to apply for support through their website or visit their offices at Rehema House, Nairobi.
NFDK was established to ensure that the disabled get equal opportunities to participate in national development.
By Jane Ngugi and Daizy Nyabok
