The Office of the Senator for Wajir County, in collaboration with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), has launched a major initiative aimed at enhancing services for persons living with disabilities (PWDs) across the county.
The joint programme, which kicked off in Wajir, focused on mass registration of persons with disabilities, issuance of assistive devices, and identification of school-going children with special needs for potential bursary support.
Speaking during the launch, Mohamud Mohammed a representative from the Senator’s office highlighted the importance of linking PWD learners with mentorship programmes in urban centres such as Nairobi and Kisumu to broaden their academic and career perspectives.
“We want to ensure children from Wajir can access mentorship opportunities in major cities. This exposure helps them overcome unique social challenges and builds their confidence,” Mohammed stated.
As part of the exercise, the Wajir County Referral Hospital deployed a team of over ten specialized doctors to provide on-site medical assessments. This move enabled immediate registration and issuance of disability certificates, which are key to accessing a range of government and Council support services.
According to an NCPWD official, the exercise had by Tuesday registered close to 500 individuals, including schoolchildren and adults.
“This is a significant milestone in our efforts to reach and empower all persons with disabilities. The turnout has been impressive,” said the official.
The outreach also served to address a major barrier previously faced by many PWDs, limited access to medical assessments due to distance or lack of awareness.
“By decentralizing services, the Council has bridged this gap and brought crucial health and registration services closer to the grassroots,” said the official.
NCPWD Chief Executive Officer, Eva Njorane who led the Council delegation, termed the initiative a transformative step in disability inclusion and promised continued collaboration with county and national leaders.
“This is the first time our entire team has come to Wajir to witness and support these efforts. We are fully committed to working with local leadership to ensure our programmes reach all corners of the country,” the CEO noted.
The representative from the Senator’s office reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening support for PWDs, pledging to engage the county government in enhancing the County Disability Fund and exploring sustainable support mechanisms.
“We are calling on all stakeholders, Members of Parliament, the Governor, and others to join hands and support this noble cause. A basic SHA cover of Sh 600 annually can significantly ease access to health services,” Mohammed stated.
Similar outreach activities have recently been carried out in Garissa and other regions of Wajir County, where over 100 individuals were assessed.
While a limited number of assistive devices have so far been distributed, the Council assured the public that additional mobility aids and hearing devices will be dispatched in due course.
The public was also sensitized on the benefits of registration, which include eligibility for educational scholarships, mobility support, startup capital for small businesses, LPO financing, and priority access to social protection programmes.
“This exercise is just the beginning. Our goal is to conduct regular outreach and registration activities to ensure no person with a disability in Wajir is left behind,” affirmed Njorane.
By Hamdi Buthul
