The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in partnership with key stakeholders in the sector have launched a disability inclusion initiative, aimed at enhancing the access to rights and services for persons with disability.
Under a three year project, dubbed Jumuisha project NCPWD is working in conjunction with the Consortium of Disabled Persons in Kenya (CDPOK), the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (AFDK),with support from Christian blind mission (CBM) to enhance equitable access to opportunities for persons with disability.
Speaking during the launch of the initiative held at a Kakamega hotel, the County Director, Christian Blind Mission David Munyendo said through capacity building, advocacy and multi-stakeholder collaboration, the project seeks to create an inclusive and equitable society in line with the constitution, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities (UNCRPD) and Vision 2030.
The CBM Programme Officer Tasline Otieno said initiative is being piloted in Kakamega, Nakuru, Kilifi and Isiolo counties targeting disadvantaged persons by improving their livelihoods, enhancing inclusive education and reducing diseases prevalence among other issues
In Kakamega, Otieno said the project seeks to recruit 10 Jumuisha Mashinani champion members, offer internship and apprenticeship to 160 youth, train at least 20 Huduma Center staff members and caregivers on handling persons with disability.
“In Kakamega, we are working in Likuyani, Khwisero, Matungu,Ikolomani and Butere sub counties, where we are helping in provision of assistive devices for mobility, facilitating Social Health insurance Authority registration and support them with acquisition of birth and National IDs,” she said.
The Kakamega County Coordinator of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) Priscah Akoth said her organization, in partnership with other stakeholders, has helped over 350 persons register and issue disability certificates in just a day during an outreach program.
“They are assessed and registered on the spot as opposed to having to go to a health facility which takes a long to register,” she added.
Speaking at the forum, Kakamega County Chief Officer in charge of Service Delivery and Advisory Unit in the Office of the Governor, Dr. Phitalis Masakhwe cautioned service providers against pilferage of funds meant for vulnerable members of the community.
He said the Kakamega County government is offering grants to a number of PWD’s as well as ensuring youth living with disability access training and skills in local polytechnic with funding from the county government.
Executive Director of Consortium of Disabled Persons in Kenya (CDPOK) Joseph Atela said his organization is the umbrella body unifying and representing the voices of the PWDs and called for stronger partnerships to enhance visibility of their work.
County Director, Christian Blind Mission Global Director Edwin Osundwa echoed the call for prudent use of funds sourced from donors towards the PWDs.
“We need prudent use of limited resources, do not steal funds meant for the disadvantaged in society,” he pleaded.
By George Kaiga
