Makueni County Executive Committee Member (ECM) for Gender, Children, Sports and Social Services, Engineer Sebastian Kyoni, has urged residents to stop hiding or locking up Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs), warning that such practices deny them vital services and life-changing opportunities.
Speaking at Wote police ground, where the county’s International Day for People Living with Disabilities was held, he noted that they have been conducting ward-level mapping. However, the big challenge is that such people are being locked up for unknown reasons.
“For heaven’s sake, the government wants to know the correct data of these people. How will you get the help you need if you don’t register in full? Kindly come out in large numbers,” Kyoni said.
So far, the officers have visited 22 wards and registered 6200 PWDs, of whom 4500 have already received disability certificates.
He noted that they have been donating assistive devices. So far this year alone, the county has issued 950 wheelchairs in collaboration with other partners, including Kibwezi Development Partners Organisation, which has been of great help.
He added that they want the youths to benefit a lot, which is why they are training them in advocacy and employment in partnership with Light for the World.
The ECM further said the county has an Ultra-Poor Graduation (UPG) policy to reach the vulnerable and walk with them on their journey, rather than donating food and leaving them. They will walk with the vulnerable till they can support themselves.
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He promised the PWDs that, starting this month, the county will contact ‘huduma mashinani’ to ensure they have essential documents, such as good conduct certificates, IDs, and disability cards.
The whole of Kenya will be here for the games. There is a brilliant team that will be heading to nationals, then to Los Angeles, for sports noting talent pays.
Makueni sub-county DCC Paul Lagat noted that PWDs should not be stigmatized but encouraged in whatever they do. He urged total inclusivity in decision-making.
Angeline Muthama noted that they are being left out and that the government needs to streamline its approach to PWDs.
The event was also attended by partners such as Light for the World, ReCross, World Vision, National Council foPersonsns with Disabilities, Kibwezi Disabled Persons’ Organisations (KDPO), among others.
By Lydia Ngoolo
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