Officials from Uasin Gishu county and those from Chair the Love and the Wheelchair Foundation during the signing of an MoU on support to PLWDs/ MATHEWS NDANYI
People Living With Disabilities in Uasin Gishu County are set to benefit from enhanced support and mobility services, following the signing of a new partnership agreement aimed at transforming their daily lives.
On Monday, the county government signed an MoU with two international organisations—Chair The Love and the Wheelchair Foundation—during a ceremony held in Eldoret.
The partnership will provide wheelchairs and other assistive technology to residents living with physical disabilities, to improve mobility, accessibility and overall quality of life for the beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, Lucy Ngendo, CEC for Education, vocational training, gender and social protection, said the partnership reflects the county’s commitment to inclusive service delivery.
“This collaboration encourages mutual knowledge-sharing that will enhance patient evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation,” Ngendo said.
She noted that scheduled wheelchair distribution drives and service clinics would soon be rolled out to ensure PLWDs receive the support they need, not only in terms of assistive equipment, but also in access to healthcare services.
Chief officer for Social Protection, Marion Birgen, welcomed the partnership with the American-based organisations, adding that county staff would undergo specialised training to improve the quality of services offered to people with disabilities.
“The initiative will also support wheelchair assessments and fitting clinics to ensure that beneficiaries receive the most appropriate equipment,” Birgen said.
The partnership is also expected to strengthen the patient referral system, making it easier for families to access treatment and rehabilitation within local hospitals.
Present at the signing were several county officials, including nominated MCA Regina Chumba, who represents Persons with Disabilities, Regina Keen, director for Social protection and Wilson Sawe, director of administration.
Representatives from Chair The Love and the Wheelchair Foundation expressed their commitment to supporting PLWDs across the region, saying they aim to empower individuals to fully participate in life without mobility limitations.
Ngendo highlighted the administration’s broader efforts to promote inclusivity, noting that the county has employed several PLWDs across departments and remains committed to ensuring equal opportunities in jobs and development programmes.
“PLWDs are part of our society and we must make sure that the challenges they face do not limit them from living full and dignified lives,” she said.
