The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) has commissioned a 60-bed capacity dormitory for girls at the Kericho Vocational Rehabilitation Centre.
This marks a significant boost to vocational training for persons living with disabilities in the region.
The project, constructed at a cost of Sh3.5 million and furnished with an additional Sh500,000, was financed through the NFDK Trust Fund under its flagship institutional support programme aimed at strengthening facilities that empower persons with disabilities through education and skills development.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Nyagacho, NFDK Chairperson Francis Kibera said the completion of the dormitory was a major milestone in improving access to training and enhancing the welfare of trainees.
“It is not enough just to have a building. Without proper furnishing, it cannot serve its purpose. We are happy that this project has been successfully completed through teamwork,” said Prof. Kibera.
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He noted that the sitting president serves as patron of the Fund and appoints its trustees, a move he said has strengthened collaboration with national government administrators.
“The Fund supports persons with disabilities at both individual and institutional levels. At the individual level, beneficiaries receive assistive devices such as wheelchairs and white canes, as well as tools of trade including hairdressing kits, sewing machines, and car wash machines to promote self-reliance. At the institutional level, the Fund provides small grants of up to Sh300,000 to support minor projects and renovations,” Prof. Kibera remarked.
He encouraged institutions to apply for the grants, observing that the rehabilitation centre could benefit from additional support to upgrade its facilities. He also called on county governments and private sector players to partner with the Fund through corporate social responsibility initiatives to expand opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Prof. Kibera explained that NFDK is a trust fund established in 1981 following a national fundraiser spearheaded by former President Daniel arap Moi, which raised Sh20 million used to purchase Rehema House in Nairobi. A subsequent fundraiser in 1989 enabled the acquisition of another property in Westlands.
The Fund now owns four buildings in Nairobi, Rehema House, a property in Westlands, Rahama Place along Ngong Road, and Rahama College House opposite the University of Nairobi main campus, whose rental income supports programmes for persons with disabilities nationwide.
NFDK has so far completed and handed over 472 projects in 228 special schools and units across the country, which Kibera said will continue annually.
“This project will be the fifth of our flagship projects in Kericho County,” he revealed.
During the function, the centre’s manager David Omondi Opar said the institution draws learners from Kericho, Bomet and Narok counties, as well as parts of Upper Kisumu, Nandi South and western Nakuru.
“We enroll them, train them, and equip them with practical skills to enable them to navigate life independently. After completion, some secure employment while others venture into business,” said Dr. Opar.
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He noted that the centre caters to three main categories of learners: persons living with disabilities, the vulnerable and the disadvantaged in society. Trainees acquire hands-on skills in hairdressing, carpentry and joinery, tailoring, fashion and design, beauty therapy, welding and fabrication, among other technical courses aimed at enhancing employability and self-reliance.
The institution operates two centres; one in Kericho town and another in Nyagacho estate with a combined enrolment of 84 students, comprising 60 girls and 24 boys, supported by 10 teaching staff.
Also present at the event was Ainamoi Sub-County administrator Kibe Maguta, who encouraged the students to remain focused on their goals.
“Education and training is the biggest weapon to bring change to the world,” he said, urging the learners to strive for excellence and prove that disability is not inability.
Other NFDK trustee board members in attendance included Prof. Julia Ojiambo, Dr. Mike Kiswili and Mrs. Cecilia Mbaka.
By Kimutai Langat
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