People with disability in Kwale have been trained on how to effectively add their voices to the County Integrated Development Plan and public participation forums.
They welcomed the training which was conducted by Muslims Women Advancement of Rights and Protection, an NGO operating in the county.
At least 30 PWD representatives from across the region received the training. They are expected to pass the information to their colleagues at the grassroots.
MWARP field project officer Mwalimu Ali said the training is aimed at bringing inclusivity in both county and national development.
He said for a long time PWDs have been left out and their issues not addressed through the budget.
"Since devolution commenced, PWDs have faced a lot of challenges. They are not properly involved in public participation and their contributions are not taken seriously," he said.
Ali said the training is supposed to enlighten and prepare people with disability so they can fight for their rights and have their views captured in the county budget.
The officer said the training is expected to guide the PWDs in writing good proposals and choosing wisely on projects that will help to improve their health, education and livelihoods.
"The civic education will enable the community to identify challenges and propose beneficial projects that will spearhead development and socioeconomic growth," he said.
Ali said the programme is also aimed at ensuring all public participation are conducted in a manner that conforms to the needs of the PWDs.
Beneficiary Tawhida Salim said she is now aware of her rights and her role in the budgeting processes.
Salim said she has lived her entire life not knowing how the development projects are done.
"Honestly speaking I didn't know, I thought the PWDs were not required," Salim said.
She said the training has enlightened her and she knows how to write good proposals.
Salim said before PWDs were not involved in any public participation locking them out from the opportunities.
Ali Mabaro said they feel loved and appreciated for being taken through the crucial process of development.
He said they rarely get trained and would use the skills to contribute to the budgeting processes.
Mabaro urged the government to employ them.
