Pastor Dorcas Rigathi Calls for inclusion of PLWDs

Narok,

Friday, October 6, 2023

KNA by John Kaleke

The Spouse of the Deputy President Pastor Dorcas Rigathi has called for inclusion of Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) in Government programmes.

Speaking during her visit to Narok County at Jesus Gospel Power Ministries Church, Pastor Rigathi said she is committed to seeing the inclusivity of PLWDs, with conviction that they can contribute significantly towards the economic growth of the country.

Pastor Rigathi said that in areas of education, the government is striving to create an enabling learning environment, providing the necessary infrastructure and resources that will be accessible to all PLWDs.

“We are working to break down barriers that have hindered the employment prospects for persons with disabilities,” said Pastor Rigathi.

Pastor Rigathi said that the Government is implementing programs for persons with disabilities which include Cash Transfer, allocation of a proportion of government tenders and employment opportunities.

She commended the Teachers Service Commission and other government institutions by embracing diversity and providing reasonable accommodations that can bring out talents among PLWDs who are often overlooked.

The government places persons with disabilities at the forefront of the national development agenda. An initiative that seeks to create a more inclusive society by addressing the unique challenges faced by the disabled individuals in various aspects of life.

Pastor Rigathi also donated food to PLWDs while calling on the local residents to come out and register PLWDs with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).

“I urge you people to cease from hiding people living with disabilities back at home” said Pastor Rigathi.

Narok County commissioner, Isaac Masinde, said that the government has registered over 7,000 PLWDs in Narok County of which out of the registered, 400 are now benefiting from the cash transfer programme.

The deputy governor, Tamalinye Koech, assured the support from the county government for the initiative that empowers the PLWDs in the county.

The chairperson for PLWDs Narok, Thomas Sopia, revealed that they face various challenges including a lack of mobility devices, a lack of employment opportunities, and a lack of inclusivity in government.

“We’re left out in leadership representation. For instance, in the Narok County Assembly, there is no representation for the disabled at all. A position that we are supposed to have as PLWDs in Narok,” Said Sophia.

The vision of the office of the spouse of the Deputy President is “Dignified Future for Vulnerable Populations” which includes the boy child, widows and orphans, and people with disabilities PWDs and that is founded on chaplaincy and family values.

Courtesy; KNA