By KNA’s Veronica Bosibori
Nakuru County chairman of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) George Otieno has appealed to the national government to implement their commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities are empowered and included in all aspects of development.
Interviewed by KNA on Wednesday he said that according to the 2019 census, 2.2 percent of Kenyans live with some form of disability, with women being the majority. But, this group has continued to suffer despite the government’s often-stated efforts to improve their welfare.
He lamented that they have not been paid their stipend for the last eight months and yet many of them lack any other form of income-generating activities, hence they are currently sinking into debt.
Otieno said despite their welfare and rights being catered for in Chapter Four of the Constitution, under the Bill of Rights, they have hardly enjoyed the guaranteed benefits.
He noted that the delayed payment of the Sh 2000 monthly stipend has worsened their situation, and made them more vulnerable to malnutrition, diseases as well as unsafe living conditions.
Additionally, he said if they are assisted to access healthcare, expanded education, and job opportunities they will lead a life of dignity and have the capacity of contributing and participating in all forms of development from the grassroots to the national level.
He also urged the community and family members to end all forms of stigma, which make it difficult for people to see each other’s humanity and contributes to depression among their members.
He also emphasized that disability was a reality for more than a million people in the country and they want to be treated in accordance with the supreme law, and be offered their five percent job reserve in both government and other public sectors.