Zetech University has signed a deal with Tharaka Nithi county to empower youth, women and people living with disabilities.
The Ruiru based University has partnered with the county government and Partners For Care, a Non Governmental Organisation.
They have already distributed mobility devices to physically handicapped residents and eco-friendly water backpacks to residents of the semi-arid county.
Zetech Vice Chancellor Prof Njenga Munene on Thursday divulged that through the partnership, the institution will provide business, marketing and book-keeping skills to the PWDs.
This will ensure that they initiate, manage and sustain their business enterprises successfully.
Munene was speaking at the institution after signing the deal on Thursday.
“We have joined forces with Partners for Care to empower the People Living with Disabilities and women through enhancing their mobility and empowering them economically.
"It is our responsibility to uplift their lives and support them businesswise. Disability inclusivity is crucial in ensuring maximum participation in social-economic growth in our country,” Munene said.
The VC added, “The water backpacks are environmentally friendly and durable. The are flexible and therefore do not cause back stiffness or aches. They will ease the burden of fetching water from water points."
Munene noted that the University will also be rolling out mentorship programmes to students in secondary schools within Tharaka Nithi.
The programme will equip them with career guidance and prepare them as they transition to institutions of higher learning.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki said that the partnership is a challenge to leverage on the potential that handicapped persons have in Tharaka Nithi county and Kenya at large.
“The county government will provide PWDs with seed capital to help them start businesses once they complete their financial and business literacy sessions.
"We will also train them on how to operate these mobility carts, to ensure that they attain the purpose intended,” he said.
At the same time Munene encouraged students intending to join institutions of higher learning to leverage on technology as they pursue their education.
“Our institution upholds innovation and technology because technology is advancing rapidly. You have to be up to speed with the latest innovations, to avoid being obsolete,” he averred.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
