Busia: It was a sigh of relief for People with Disabilities (PWDs) in Busia County after the Catherine Omanyo Foundation donated 100 wheelchairs and 30 crutches to the PWDs across the seven sub-counties to improve their mobility and independence. Speaking at Katakwa Vocational Institute during the handover ceremony to PWDs in Teso North, Busia Women Representative Catherine Omanyo hailed the initiative, noting that the donation would enhance their independence and empower them to pursue their economic goals by boosting access to education, employment, and socio-economic engagements.
According to Kenya News Agency, Omanyo urged the beneficiaries to use the equipment for their own and their families’ benefits; however, she cautioned them against selling the donated devices, noting it would water down the efforts made in assisting them to lead a normal life. “It’s a great honour and excitement to see PWDs empowered to attain their goals independently. I feel more encouraged when we transform lives and give hope to those who feel isolated in society,” noted Omanyo.
The legislator noted that she will table a motion in parliament which will push the government to ensure caretakers of PWDs are enlightened to benefit from a social support programme, as the majority of PWDs need special attention. “I am going to table a motion in parliament which will see caretakers also benefiting from the government social programmes. Most caretakers sacrifice their dreams while taking care of their siblings or loved ones, yet the society doesn’t appreciate it,” she added.
Omanyo cautioned against selling the assistive devices donated. “Should we discover a beneficiary has sold his or her donation, our organisation will blacklist the recipient and bar them from future assistance,” she added.
The beneficiaries, led by Moses Ejelait, Nancy Atori, and Henry Shipae, applauded the initiative by the legislator, noting that it has given them a second chance in life to chase their dreams, irrespective of their conditions in life. “Personally, I am so grateful! This wheelchair will help me go on with my daily activities without having to depend on my children to come and push me around. I feel inspired to open a kinyozi to support the education of my children as well as ensure we have something on the table. Mama asantee,” said Ejalait from Moding village in Teso North.
Besides wheelchairs and other assistive devices, the foundation also provides empowerment solutions where registered PWDs secure grants to start off small SMEs to boost their independence.
According to the 2019 census, the status of disability in Kenya estimates about 2.2 per cent (0.9 million people) of Kenyans live with some form of disability. However, only 22% of the PWDs globally have been registered to benefit from any form of support, with the largest percentage living in isolation or dark rooms, raising more concern about their whereabouts. Kenya has long recognised the rights of persons with disabilities in law. The 2010 constitution guarantees access, dignity, and inclusion for people living with disabilities.