- She said in most cases, the PWD children are found living in pathetic conditions and in bad health since parents don't have money to cater for their needs because of poverty.
- Mbugua said stigma and misinformation surrounding disability further add to their sufferings.
Image: SHABAN OMAR
A lobby in Kwale has called on the County and National government to ensure children with disabilities have access to quality education, healthcare and employment opportunities.
Kesho Kenya officer Wanjiru Mbugua said children with disabilities often fail to get quality education or kept out of school because of a lack of budgeting for their needs.
She said in most cases, the PWD children are found living in pathetic conditions and in bad health since parents don't have money to cater for their needs because of poverty.
Mbugua said stigma and misinformation surrounding disability further add to their sufferings.
"Most parents choose to hide their PWD children because of myths and misconceptions about disabilities which denies them the right of freedom and education," she said.
The officer said it is the responsibility of both County and National governments to see all the children are fairly educated and their welfare protected without discrimination.
The activist said for the nation to prosper, there must be inclusive and equitable quality education and proper empowerment for persons with disabilities.
She said the PWD children must be secured and protected against any form of violence.
Mbugua said people with disabilities and their families go through a lot of challenges and should be supported because their lives matter.
She said both governments must increase funding to efficiently assist the PWDs. The officer said the recent move by the county to increase bursary kitty should ensure children with disabilities are prioritised in the programme.
She said their learning facilities must be improved and well-equipped for better learning, adding that they should also be given medical assistance since some of them require frequent medical support to survive.
Mbugua said the PWD children have unique talents and abilities that when properly nurtured can bring change not only to their lives but the entire society.
She urged other NGOs to join hands and push for the recognition and protection of PWDs' rights.
Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo said Kwale has made progress in supporting PWDs.
He said they are often given full education sponsorships and prioritised in various employment opportunities.
Kombo said the county is in the process of registering the PWDs afresh to get their number to help in proper planning and interventions.
He said lack of appropriate data on PWDs was one of the obstacles hindering aid. "We have directed the respective department to find how many PWDs are there; the number of children, elderly and types of disabilities," he said.
Matuga Deputy County Commissioner Lucy Ndemo said PWDs are well protected by the constitution and anyone discriminating against them is violating the law and human rights and is liable to jail term.
Ndemo said all children are entitled to better education and healthcare, and warned parents who hide their PWDs children that they won't be spared once found and that stern action shall be taken against them.
The DCC directed the chiefs and their assistants to ensure all children go to school and no PWD is left behind.