PWDs disappointed with Ruto's tour of Northern Eastern

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Northern Kenya now say pertinent issues facing them were ignored during President William Ruto’s tour of the region.

They claim the visit did not highlight challenges they face when accessing education, healthcare, employment and other essential services.

“We urge you (President) to consider incorporating disability issues into future discussions and initiatives. By doing so, we can ensure that all Kenyans, regardless of their abilities, have equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to our nation’s growth,” said the PWDs chairman Hafid Maalim.

Maalim said while the Constitution stipulates that people with disabilities should be considered for job opportunities, this is not the case at the moment.

“For the longest time, people with disabilities have faced discrimination both in the public and private sector leaving us at the mercy of well-wishers that's why we have so many cases of begging everywhere,” he said.

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He called on the State to ensure the progressive implementation of the principle that at least five percent of the members of the public in elective and appointive bodies are PWDs.

During his four-day tour of Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo counties, President Ruto launched several projects with the climax of his visit being abolishing of vetting of Kenyan Somalis seeking national identity cards.

“As we strive to actualize the 5 per cent inclusion of PWDs, we appeal to policy makers to closely interact with others and understand our problems for betterment of policies,” said Maalim adding that they are seeking an appointment with the Head of State.

The PWDs feel relevant organs in government have failed to push through implementation of constitutional requirements touching on their issues.  

“Now we have decided to address our issues directly with the President, maybe he will listen to us and act,” said Maalim.  

Among their grievances include being considered for job opportunities, have access to health care, education and insurance cover.

“Disability is not crime. It saddens us that in the Cabinet there is no single PWD and yet we ideas and knowledge to contribute to nation building,” said Maalim.