Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has said his administration is committed to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Persons With Disability.
He said this is being achieved by ensuring PWDs are adequately represented within county structures.
“My administration has made a deliberate effort to create a department specifically for PWDs, which is charged with the responsibility of handling them," Jama said.
"I have also continued to support them through employment, empowerment programmes and resources that restore dignity and independence."
Some of the initiatives being undertaken include distribution of essential mobility aids such as wheelchairs.
“We are committed to ensuring PWDs are not left behind. Our government will continue supporting them through employment, empowerment programmes and resources that restore dignity and independence,” the governor said.
Jama said students living with disability will be given special preference in the county’s bursary programme to ensure they have equal access to education.
He urged parents not to hide them.
Aden Bulle, Garissa county PWD chairman praised the governor for establishing a dedicated department for PWDs.
“On behalf of PWDs I want to thank you for this move. Yours is the only administration that has created a full department for us and it is being managed by one of our own. This shows true commitment,” Bulle said.
Dubat Amey, an elder and a PWD member called for a comprehensive census to determine the exact number of PWDs in the county, saying accurate data is crucial for effective planning and resource allocation.
He urged parents and guardians not to hide children living with disability, saying doing so denies them much-needed support and goes against Islamic principles.
“Parents must bring their children forward so they can be assisted. Hiding them is not only harmful but also contrary to our faith,” Amey said.
He called for continued collaboration between the county government, communities and partners to advance the rights and well-being of PWDs across the county.
Dubat
Amey, an elder and a PWD member speaking. Photo Stephen Astariko
