Wajir governor signs persons living with disability law

Wajir Governor Ahmed Mukhtar has assented to the Persons Living with Disabilities Act 2021.  

Mid last month, the county assembly approved the bill to provide a framework for the establishment of a fund to improve the conditions of PLWDs. 

The bill also promotes equal and equitable access to social-economic and political opportunities, enhances awareness of their rights and addresses cultural and social stigma.

Muktar said his administration is committed to uplifting their living standards and ensuring they are treated equally. 

He spoke in his office on Tuesday after the exercise.

“Society should accept PLWDs and give them more attention,” Muktar said. 

“This act is a milestone to attain the economic, social and political entitlement of this special group in our endeavour to living no person behind.”

The governor said they will prioritise the issues captured in the act, key among them financial commitment.

Two months ago, Sh14 million disability cash transfer programme for persons living with severe disability in Wajir town was disbursed.

Each of them got Sh4,000 monthly. Some 262 people benefitted from the programme.

The money was meant to boost small businesses and cushion the most vulnerable, including orphans, from difficult living conditions. 

The county government began implementing the cash transfer programme in the 2014-15 financial year, with an initial 175 beneficiaries.

The programme stagnated in the subsequent three fiscal years up to 2019-20.

Muktar said they have now re-engineered it. 

The 262 beneficiaries from the initial 175 represent a 49 per cent increase in the programme coverage.

The governor said the additional slots are targeted fairly and equitably. 

He said in the current financial year, his administration has also allocated Sh14 million to be disbursed when the budget is approved and funds released from the exchequer.

Edited by Kiilu Damaris