National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) donated different tools of trade to at least 55 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Taita Taveta County to empower and support their income-generating activities.
The donation was part of a national relief program by the NFDK to qualified applicants from around the country for the previous fiscal year.
“These tools are part of keeping our annual promise to deserving applicants for last year from every corner of Kenya,” said Sharon Wairimu, NFDK Assistant Manager for Advocacy, Publicity, and Fundraising.
The tools included sewing and knitting machines, barber and salon appliances, and welding and carpentry tool kits.
NFDK, an endowment fund established under the Trustees Act Cap 164 of the laws of Kenya has been stepping into the gap to provide equipment and appliances to Persons With Disabilities in Kenya.
The program was instigated to help PWDs put their technical skills to use and earn a living without being overly dependent on the generosity of the rest of the society.
“Ours is a well-calculated program that seeks to stem the over-dependence of PWDs on relatives and society to survive. Instead, we give them tools they can use to start and sustain micro and small-scale businesses,’ said Wairimu.
The beneficiaries apply to receive these tools after they have equipped themselves with the skills to use them.
Taita sub-county, Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Maina Ngunyi, speaking to a local media house during the handing over of the tools lauded the contribution of the national government toward supporting and empowering PWDs.
“We’re thankful for the support of the national government, NFDK, and other stakeholders for availing this kind of help to deserving citizens,” said DCC Ngunyi.
The beneficiaries termed the day as a great day because due to lack of tools some have been working under people’s businesses because they cannot afford their tools.
“I’m a tailor without a sewing machine but that has changed today and I can go back home and make a living,” said elated Getrude Mghoi Haron, one of the beneficiaries from Mghambonyi in Taita sub-county.