Zetech University vice chancellor Njenga Munene has called on institutions of higher learning to enhance inclusivity of disabled persons.
The VC said Kenyans abled differently should be given equal opportunities with others and be supported to accomplish their duties.
Munene, who spoke during an awareness forum on disability inclusiveness at the university in Ruiru, said mistreatment of disabled persons demoralises them.
“As educational institutions and the corporate world, we should and must be ready to enhance and promote disability inclusiveness in our institutions," Munene said.
"This will go a long way in supporting the local communities by engaging in activities that assuage the status of the community."
He said that the university is on a journey to becoming a disability inclusive institution, where all students will be able to invent their future from a level playing field.
“One of our innovators, Anthony Muthungu, invented the intelligent Alexcaneto to enhance convenience among visually impaired people, and this is just the beginning," he said.
The VC said the university has a disability mainstreaming policy that provides a framework for identifying and removing any structural, organisational and attitudinal barriers.
“According to the 2019 census, about 0.9 million Kenyans are living with some form of disability, and 0.7 million of them live in rural areas," he said.
"This challenges us to come up with solutions that improve the lives of people living with disability in both the rural and urban areas.”
Light for the World country director Stephen Njenga said that the youth have a critical role in enhancing disability inclusivity from their institutions of learning and at the work places.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
