Waiguru Encourages PWDs to Register for Government Programs
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has called upon persons with disabilities to enroll in government social assistance programs to fully access the benefits of these initiatives.
Governor Waiguru emphasized the importance of registering PWDs with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities and the Inua Jamii programs. This registration would provide the government with accurate data for effective planning and resource allocation for projects and programs aimed at supporting them.
Speaking at Kamiigua Polytechnic grounds while distributing various assistive devices and essential items to 306 people with disabilities, she mentioned that the county government is actively conducting assessments and registrations for the PWDs. She appealed to those who have not yet been assessed to visit the Kerugoya Level Five County Referral Hospital and Kianyaga hospitals for the assessment process.
"We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity to ensure that no segment of society is left behind in achieving the county's socio-economic development goals. We will soon introduce the assessment program in every sub-county hospital," the Governor stated.
Waiguru pointed out that persons with disabilities often face exclusion in many aspects of life, and the county government is making significant efforts to empower them, enabling their meaningful participation in the county's development.
During the event, she distributed 90 wheelchairs (including 37 pediatric and 53 for adults), 16 crutches, 16 white canes, provided prosthetics to four individuals, and fitted five people with hearing aids.
To support their business endeavors, Governor Waiguru announced that her administration has waived the payment of single business permits for persons with disabilities, serving as an incentive for their business ventures.
"This waiver is expected to act as an incentive to bridge and eventually eliminate disparities that exist between people with disabilities and the general community in terms of opportunities in areas such as education, economic empowerment, and political representation," she explained.
The county has also established a one-stop service desk, similar to a Huduma Center at the county government level, on the ground floor at the headquarters to ensure efficient and effective service delivery to people with disabilities.
"To complement the empowerment program, we are also setting up a County Empowerment and Development Fund to assist vulnerable individuals, persons with disabilities, women, youth, and other common interest groups," she added.
Tags: Pwds Anne Waiguru Inua Jamii Kamiigua Polytechnic Kerugoya Level Five County Referral Hospital National Council For Persons With Disabilities
