Director Widowers Health Empowerment and Support Services programm Samuel Okombo speaks to disabled people in Karachuonyo constituency/Robert Omollo
Some elderly people and persons with disabilities in Karachuonyo Constituency have formed a community-based organisation (CBO) to strengthen their ability to access national government services and support.
The group formed the CBO after undergoing a sensitisation programme organised by Samuel Okombo, director of Widowers Health Empowerment & Support Services.
The programme is supported by Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who serves as its patron.
Most of the elderly people and persons with disabilities who attended the programme called on the government to help them access rehabilitative devices and equipment. Others requested trade tools to support income-generating activities.
Among those seeking assistance were elderly people Elizabeth Omundo, 91, Jared Odede, 83, and Margaret Juma, 80, as well as 36-year-old person with a disability Frederick Ochieng.
Director Samuel Okombo (in jacket) with some disabled persons as they register with NFDK for government assistance in the Karachuonyo constituency/Robert Omollo
Ochieng appealed for crutches and a car-wash machine to enable him to earn a living.
“Most of us face a lot of difficulties due to the situation we are in. For example, I have three school-going children who need fees and carwash machine will help me generate income,” Ochieng said.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the sensitisation programme at Kanjira Chief’s Camp in Karachuonyo Constituency, Okombo urged CBO members to register with the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK).
NFDK application forms were distributed to eligible people seeking assistance.
The forms provide for different types of support, including basic rehabilitative devices and equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, white canes and tricycles. The equipment is intended to help beneficiaries cope with various disabilities.
Okombo said the government also provides trade tools to persons with disabilities who register with the NFDK.
The tools include sewing machines, hair salon kits, carpentry tool kits, welding kits, knitting machines, masonry tools, barber kits, battery chargers, farming tools, cameras, livestock, ploughs, electronic repair tool kits, motorcycle repair kits, overlocks, car-wash machines and embroidery equipment.
“The items and tools can help beneficiaries earn a sustainable livelihood through various trades and crafts in which they have interest, proficiency or have trained in. We don't want to discriminate anyone,” Okombo said.
He commended the group for forming the CBO, saying it would help members seek support from well-wishers and non-governmental organisations.
The CBO will also provide a platform for members to raise their challenges and seek assistance.
“The Widowers Health Empowerment & Support Services acts as a linkage between the community and the government. Their database will ensure everyone is onboarded in assistance,” Okombo said.
During the sensitisation programme, registration for the Social Health Authority (SHA), national identity cards, voters and the NYOTA programme was also conducted.
Kanjira Senior Chief Eli Obuya said most persons with disabilities and elderly people face numerous challenges in their efforts to make ends meet.
He said the government was committed to ensuring that no one was discriminated against when accessing public services.
“Let eligible people come out and register with NFDK for help from the State. Disabled people should no longer be neglected in the society,” Obuya said.
Meanwhile, the Homa Bay County Government is working on the County Persons with Disabilities Amendment Bill.
Homa Bay County Executive Committee Member for Gender Elijah Munga said the proposed law would help the county establish a database of persons with disabilities.
“Their database will enable the government to know eligible people to be registered under social protection program. It helps us to have action plan for disabled persons,” Munga said.
