Disabled
The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) is giving the Western Kenya donation of equipment worth over Sh7.5million this year to support Persons with Disabilities (PWD).
NPDK Board of Trustee member Prof. Julia Ojiambo, while speaking today outside the regional Commissioner’s office in Kakamega town during distribution of donations to the disabled, said ten institutions taking care of PWDs have been allocated Sh 2million, with each receiving Sh200,000.
She added that another 45 individuals received donations worth Sh 1.5M.
Prof. Ojiambo raised concern that a number of caregivers were still hiding from the public persons living with disability for fear of stigmatization, saying such actions were denying PWDs opportunity to engage in income-generating activities.
“Even in a scenario where persons have severe disabilities, we empower the caregivers who then use the equipment as an income-generating activity to support the beneficiary,” she said.
She said the Constitution guarantees the principle of inclusivity, noting that it was unfair to block a group of people in society from enjoying their fundamental rights. Prof. Ojiambo, who is also the chair of programmes at the Fund, was accompanied by other Board of Trustees members including Major Marsden Madoka and former Kitui Senator David Musila.
She noted that the fund that was established on October 10, 1980, was marking 43 years since inception and has over the years continuously helped empower many PWDs.
“The individual donations are given according to individual request and range from rehabilitative equipment, mobility aids and tools of trade,” she added. Musila and Madoka urged the recipients to utilize the equipment given to them to improve their social wellbeing and not sell them.
Musila said disability should not be construed to mean inability and urged caregivers to support the government in its efforts to uplift the welfare of those at the bottom of the pyramid.