Persons living with disability in Laikipia county have received equipment worth Sh1.4 million from the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya to assist them in trade.
NFDK programme officer Japheth Oswe said the donations were meant to assist the PWDs with their daily activities such as ease of mobility and for use in income-generating activities.
The assistive devices included wheelchairs, crutches and walking canes for those with physical challenges, while the tools of trade included sewing machines, hair salon equipment, workshop tools, irrigation kits, welding machines, knitting machines and shaving kits based on individual requests.
Speaking in Nanyuki town on Monday, Oswe cautioned the over 60 beneficiaries against selling the devices noting that it would water down the gains made in assisting the PWDs to lead a normal life and be able to fend for themselves.
"If anyone of you is found to have sold his or her donation, the organisation will automatically black list them and shall never be eligible for any assistance in future," Oswe warned
He encouraged more PWDs in the area to apply for the donations to help them improve their lives.
“Any disabled person can apply for the assistive devices and tools of trade at the same time. We evaluate requests on individual needs and those who are successful, we deliver the same to them in any part of the country,” Oswe said.
Laikipia East Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Muli who was the chief guest during the function urged the beneficiaries to use the donations prudently.
Muli further asked those applying to ensure they give out the correct contact details for easier traceability when the donations are being delivered.
“Some individuals cannot be traced when it comes to deliveries since they have changed the mobile phone numbers they indicated in their application forms,” said the administrator.
Oswe noted that NFDK had completed three flagship projects in the county in special institutions that cater for learners with disabilities.
The projects are; Sipili special school where three classrooms have been put up at a cost of Sh2.5 million, Vocational Training Workshop in Ol Ng’arua special school at a cost of Sh2.5 million and a multi-purpose hall and kitchen at Sh2.5 million.
Elizabeth Njoki, one of the beneficiaries who received hair salon equipment, could not hide her joy saying with the donation, she will be able to fend for her family and lead a comfortable life since she will have a steady income.
“I am so grateful after getting the equipment, now I will be able to open my own salon and with the income I get I will feed and educate my children comfortably,” she said.
-Edited by SKanyara
