PLWDS asked to take advantage of government opportunities

Narok, Monday 26th June 2023

KNA By John Kaleke

People Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) have been asked to take the advantage of government opportunities both at National and county government level as enshrined in the constitution of Kenya.

Speaking during a training in Narok, Ahmed Maalim, the project manager of Northern Nomadic Disabled Persons Organization (NONDO) said people with disabilities persons should take advantage of government opportunities by registering their self-help groups with social services, open business, register companies so as to be awarded government tenders that were preserved for them.

“Disabled persons should register groups and open business in order to apply for government tenders and be included in activities that concerns them in the society,” added Maalim.

Maalim said PLWDs should raise their concerns for inclusion in income generating activities that will help in sustaining them in their day-to-day needs and living a dignified life. 

Maalim asked Persons with Disabilities to create movements to amplify their voices stressing that by uniting their voices as an organized group they can break barriers, combat marginalization and ensure that their perspectives and needs are heard and addressed.

Through their registration, PLWDs will be able to receive funding from donors, financial institutions and other Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) that support the needs of disabled persons in the country.

On his part, Reuben Mpatiany, chairperson of Narok County Albinism Association said the forum is to train the PLWDS on the legal framework in their constitutional rights, budgetary framework and their inclusion in the government.

“We appreciate the opportunity as PLWDs society in the county of Narok. I’m sure we will take advantage of the opportunities given to us by the constitutions of Kenya,” Mpatiany said.

However, Mpatiany asked the sports office to consider Persons with Disabilities to join parasports activities such as para volleyball as a way of empowering them in the society.

The county director of Social Services, Johnson Ole Kimojino, said the County integrated development plan has ensured the PWDs were included and their rights are preserved for themselves so that they can enjoy their rights.

Kimonjino noted that the county government has a kitty for people with disabilities in the county like bursaries, and has partnered with other NGOs in order to improve their livelihoods in the county.

"We have partnered with NGOs so that equipment such as wheelchairs and crutches among others will be given to the disabled persons and to support their education welfare as well," Kimojino said.

The PWDs were trained on fighting corruption in the society as well as being called upon not to hide their disabled children in houses because it’s an infringement on the rights of disabled persons in the society.

Courtesy ; K. N. A