Machakos: Machakos county governor Wavinya Ndeti has donated assistive devices and education bursaries worth Sh3 million for People with Disabilities (PWD) in the area to ensure inclusivity and unlock their potential. While speaking at the Machakos Social Hall, Wavinya said they were building an inclusive county and her government is not leaving anyone behind in matters of education, health, development and general wellbeing for PWDs, even as she called for collaboration from all departments.
According to Kenya News Agency, the governor delivered 74 wheelchairs tailored to different needs including cerebral palsy, 50 white canes for the visually impaired, 50 crutches, 36 walking frames and 50 walking canes, while noting that they are not just devices, but bridges of independence, mobility and self-reliance.
'Words are not enough; action is what matters. I am calling on every department, we need full collaboration in planning, implementation, monitoring and delivering results for the PWD community as we are building an inclusive Machakos not in theory but in practice,' she said.
In efforts to enhance and uplift the lives of PWDs, Wavinya declared that they have established the Machakos PWD Board that would provide governance, strategic direction and manage finances for them. She noted that her government has set aside special funds that are meant for assistive devices, vocational training and economic empowerment.
Wavinya implored parents to take their disabled children for timely assessment and further added that those with Disability certificates are to receive free disability assessments at Machakos level 5 on Mondays and Wednesdays to support their individual wellbeing and productivity.
The governor commended the County Departments of Gender and Social Welfare, Education and Health in building and maintaining Public Private Partnerships with other stakeholders to ensure inclusivity, enhanced efficiency, innovation and development in the county.
Several members of the County Executive attended the event including County Secretary Dr. Muya Ndambuki, the County Executive for Education Consolata Mutisya, her Sports counterpart Sharon Muasya and Bishop Joel Nzomo among other guests.