Wote: Eighteen People with Disabilities (PWDs) in Wote/Nziu Ward, Makueni Subcounty, have received wheelchairs from the Makueni County Government through the Department of Gender. The distribution took place at Green Park in Wote Town, aiming to enhance the mobility, independence, and confidence of the beneficiaries.
According to Kenya News Agency, Disability Mainstreaming Officer (DMO) Mr. Abednego Mutunga Kitheka emphasized the transformative impact of the assistive devices, stating that they will significantly improve the lives of the recipients. In addition to the wheelchairs, the department also provided diapers to ten other beneficiaries, further supporting the needs of PWDs in the area.
Mr. Kitheka encouraged PWDs to form organized groups to gain access to government and donor funds available locally. He disclosed that the county government has allocated Sh500,000 for PWD groups to support income-generating projects aimed at uplifting their livelihoods. The DMO highlighted the importance of such initiatives in improving living standards and reducing poverty among PWDs.
Furthermore, Kitheka urged the county government to implement skill development programs for PWDs to enhance their economic independence, despite the challenges posed by their physical conditions.