County urged to map individuals living with disabilities for accountability purposes

Nyeri,

Tuesday December 5, 2023

KNA by Samuel Maina/Wangari Mwangi

Persons with Disability (PWDs) are requesting for an updated record from the Nyeri County authorities for all PWDs residing in the area.

The chairman, Nyeri Disability Network, Kabatha Wanjohi reported that the absence of accurate records for PWDs has hindered the planning of government programs for their members.

Wanjohi has requested Governor Mutahi Kahiga to expedite data collection to prevent unwarranted access to benefits for PWDs.

The chairman was speaking to Kenya News Agency (KNA) during International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities celebration at DEB Muslim Primary School in Nyeri, highlighting this year’s theme “United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities”. 

Wanjohi accused the national and county governments of failing to install accessibility facilities in public offices, causing continued denying of access.

He expressed disappointment that only a few private businesses in Nyeri town have ramps and lifts for persons with disabilities, while most government facilities lack such amenities.

“Sometimes when we plan to have a meeting for PWDs but fail to get a venue which is friendly to us. Even the County Government offices where the Governor resides and the County Commissioners office are all in storied buildings and when we need to reach these offices to access services there are no lifts which can aid us.

 In Nyeri, we only have the National Bank of Kenya, the Law Courts and the White Rhino Hotel where we have lifts which we can use to access services,” he added.

 At the same time, Parents of children with Cerebral Palsy in Nyeri County are requesting the national government to establish sustainable income-generating programs to support themselves and their children.

They said the rapid depletion of donations creates a dependency cycle for mothers who double as caregivers, highlighting the sustainability of relying on handouts.

“We need to empower mothers through income generating projects because the donations last them a couple of months forcing them to so depend on aid from well-wishers,” said Esther Wambui who is a member of the Cerebral Palsy Family Warriors, a support group formed by parents of children with Cerebral Palsy.

Therefore, she advocated for the establishment of a dedicated Cerebral Palsy center in the county, despite the existence of several special schools.

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the condition affects 1 to 4 children in every 1,000 children globally.

In Kenya, there are no official statistics on the prevalence of Cerebral Palsy. However, experts estimate that one in every 100 children live with the condition.

Courtesy; KNA