PWDs asked to use mobility tools for intended purposes

Persons with Disabilities in Lari subcounty who have benefitted from trade tools and assistance devices from the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya have been asked not to sell them.

NFDK chairperson Prof Julia Ojiambo urged the beneficiaries to use the tools for the intended purpose.

She said their office has received reports that some of them sell the items at a throwaway price to get quick cash instead of using them to change their lives.

Ojiambo said they apply for assistance from NFDK through the assistant chief's offices, and once their application goes through, they are issued with the tools.

"These items are meant to add value to your lives. We support and boost your businesses and others get assistance to make them move around freely like wheelchairs and crutches" she said. 

She spoke at Lari deputy county commissioner Samuel Kariuki's office on Wednesday where NFDK donated the items.

Among the items donated included farming tools, salon and beauty tools, carpentry, welding machines, wheelchairs and walking sticks and crutches.

She said the government has committed itself to ensuring that PWDs live better lives through funding of their business initiatives and the provision of mobility assistance devices.

NFDK programs officer Tabitha Mihali said that they had received reports that some families were still hiding their disabled members in their homes instead of registering them.

"It is shocking that until today, when we feel we have grown, to learn that we still have families who are hiding PWD at home," she said.

"We need to use our chief's, Nyumba Kumi officials to identify if there are such people so that they can be enlightened to accept them the way they are and, register them so that they can access such tools and other opportunities" Mihali added.

Ojiambo urged PWDs to apply for a disability membership card, advising them to get the application forms at social protection offices.

"It is important for disabled persons to possess disability identification cards. One enjoys a variety of privileges, opportunities and services provided by the government and during social gatherings" she said.

Area deputy county commissioner Samuel Kariuki said his office was ready to sensitive locals to ensure a lot of needy PLWDs have benefited.

Kariuki thanked the NFDK for the continued initiative of supporting the needy PWDs.

He said his officers from the lowest rank of an assistant chief are aware of the initiative and were ready to assist them.

The 25 PWDs who benefitted, were also given 2kgs of rice.