People With Disabilities (PWDs) in Bungoma county are poor, face discrimination and stigmatisation, a Special Programme baseline survey has revealed.
Speaking to the press on Monday at the county headquarters after handing over 100 wheelchairs to PWDs, Bungoma County Special programmes director Caren Wanyonyi said the main aim of her department conducting the survey, was to establish the total number of people with disabilities and the challenges they go through.
However, Wanyonyi said the survey further revealed that out of the 236 villages in Bungoma, 585 residents are living with disability, adding that the survey was also intended to establish the challenges PWDs undergo while seeking government services.
“The survey will also help Governor Ken Lusaka’s administration during allocation of resources,” she said.
The director said there are many forms of disability in Bungoma, but the wheelchairs were given to those who are unable to walk so that they are able to move and be independent.
The piloting programme that will be in four phases, is aimed at ensuring sustainable development, ease movement, break inequality barriers and fight poverty in the communities.
“When they have wheelchairs, it enables them to move so that they can participate in government functions and execute their citizens’ rights,” she said, adding that the disbursement for phase 1 will be on for five days.
Wanyonyi also said the County government has partnered with Walkabout foundation in disbursing wheelchairs to PWDs.
Her sentiments were echoed by Lusaka who lauded the Walkabout foundation for partnering with his administration to disburse the wheelchairs.
Lusaka also encouraged county CECs to ensure their departments support People with disabilities to feel part of the government.
“There are many opportunities for you, there are special loans and bursaries. I have CECs in charge of those departments who will help you whenever you visit those offices,” Lusaka said.
He said the project is still on and will ensure that all PWDs get wheelchairs.
