Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has announced that persons living with disabilities in the county will receive free treatment in all public health facilities.
He said the move is aimed at improving access to healthcare and protecting the dignity of vulnerable citizens.
The governor issued the directive to health practitioners, saying PWDs should no longer be subjected to long queues or payment requirements when seeking medical care.
Speaking in Kitale during a donation of footwear and other essential items to PWDs, Natembeya said his administration is committed to ensuring those with physical challenges are treated with respect and compassion.
"I want to promise that when persons with disabilities go to the hospital to seek treatment, they should not be turned away or delayed. You cannot push a person who is physically fit the same way you push someone who has no legs. We must use our common sense and compassion," he said.
The governor reminded the public that disability can affect anyone at any time.
"You can wake up in the morning feeling fine, and by evening, you are a person with a disability. No one has a contract with God that they will never be disabled," he said.
Beyond healthcare, Natembeya revealed plans to strengthen economic opportunities for PWDs by fully enforcing the county’s procurement laws.
He expressed frustration that the current statutory five per cent tender allocation for PWDs is often hijacked by able-bodied individuals.
The governor announced proposals to increase the reserved allocation from five per cent to as much as 25 per cent, arguing that existing programmes, such as the ‘Nawiri’ fund, already provide the necessary capital to empower PWDs.
"It is a big mistake for someone who is fit to keep taking more for themselves while passing off as a person with disability to steal that five per cent," Natembeya said.
He said the county would strictly enforce all laws and regulations to ensure that opportunities meant for PWDs directly benefit them.
“We want to see our local PWDs getting these opportunities, not just the five per cent, but even 20 or 25 per cent,” he said.
The governor also urged parents and communities to ensure children living with disabilities have access to education and benefit from government programmes.
By combining healthcare support, economic empowerment, and educational inclusion, Natembeya said the county is committed to uplifting the lives of PWDs and guaranteeing that their rights are fully respected.
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