By P, KNA
The County Government of Makueni has offered 950 Persons living With Disabilities (PWDs) assistive devices in the past one year, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services Eng. Sabastian Kyoni has said.
Kyoni said the PWDs received an assortment of equipment including wheelchairs, tricycles, white canes, crutches and hearing aids to enhance their mobility and communication.
The CECM made known the county efforts to support PWDs during the celebration marking the International Day of Persons with Disability at Police grounds in Wote town in Makueni Sub-County.
“The county government has been able to provide assistive devices to PWDs across the county. Also, the government has trained people who can repair the wheel chairs at the ward levels,” he said.
He said some 1,500 children with severe mobility challenges were prioritized for support, while another 65 youths with disabilities were trained on employability skills and entrepreneurship with 30 others enlisted in business start-up support and mentorship programme.
Eng. Kyoni added that 70 youths were also trained in ICT, tailoring, welding, carpentry, beadwork, 60 trainees supported with adaptive learning tools while another 60 PWDs sponsored by Kenya Commercial Bank sponsorship skill programme.
He observed that the county government involved the PWDs in decision making forums, and assisted them develop their talents through sports, adding that they also continued to open new opportunities for meaningful participation of people.
“Sporting programs such as para-volleyball and the growing amputee football initiative have created space for talent and teamwork, while ward-based budgets have enabled PWDs to directly benefit from local planning and resources,” he posed.
The 2025 theme is “Fostering Disability Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress”
During the event, he announced that at least 6,000 community members have been reached with anti-stigma and disability rights messages, 6,200 PWDs have been registered county wide while another 6,500 records have been linked to national registration systems to enhance support.
Speaking at the event, Makueni Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Paul Langat said the PWDs were part of the society who need to lead a dignified life insisting that their condition should not be stigmatized.
Langat said it was imperative for the PWDs to be involved in all community issues so that when decisions are made their views are incorporated hence avoid discrimination.
“The PWDs are part of our society and the government is trying to ensure they lead a dignified life. As a government, we should remove all challenges like stigma and ensure they are involved in decision making,” Langat said.
Langat urged Members of County Assembly (MCAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) to deal with issues pertaining to the PWDs quickly so that they can feel they are valued in the society that cares for them.
County Director, National Council for Persons with Disabilities Makueni, Diana Mugo also said that the PWDs have a right to own properties and inheritance rights saying they should be treated with dignity.
Mugo revealed that the new Disability Act was a good document that has many provisions for the PWDs to realize their rights noting that the National Council for Persons with Disability (NCWPD) will ensure implementation of the issues accordingly.