People with disabilities in Garissa receive assistive devices, business kits

The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) has provided assistive devices and business kits to at least 150 people living with disabilities in Garissa County.

NFDK stated that the items were distributed based on requests from the beneficiaries, tailored to their specific needs. The items distributed include wheelchairs, welding kits, barber and salon kits, farm implements, video cameras, among others.

Speaking in Garissa town on Thursday, Professor Julia Ojiambo, a trustee of the organisation, said the beneficiaries would use the assistive devices and business kits for sustainability and self-reliance.

"We need to help persons with disabilities achieve their dreams and engage in income-generating activities," she said.

She added that some members of the group who requested goats instead of business kits and devices were awarded Sh20,000 cheques.

Additionally, special schools in North Eastern received Sh1.6 million for the construction of classrooms, dormitories, and dining halls. Ojiambo urged parents with children with disabilities to enrol them in special education schools, where trained teachers will handle them.

North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno also warned parents against keeping children with disabilities out of schools. "The trend of hiding these children at home should end. They need to have the opportunity to access education just like any other child," he said.

He urged the beneficiaries to use the donated items wisely for their benefit and sustainability.

Aden Bille, the Garissa County chairman for People with Disabilities, encouraged the beneficiaries to seize the opportunity extended to them and called for the organisation's consideration to help more members of the disability group for sustainability.

Fatuma Ahmed, one of the beneficiaries who received salon kits, said she would start a business to offer her beauty services.

Fatuma said she acquired salon and beauty skills after graduating from a technical training college in Garissa but lacked the startup kits for her business.