Kilifi County Government has made strides in developing disability-related legislation.
Written by Dayo radio on March 20, 2023
Kilifi County Government has made strides in developing disability-related legislation. – Kilifi Department of Gender, Culture and Social Services (Facebook)
Today, a meeting was held to raise awareness about the Kilifi County Persons with Disability Act 2022. The CEC Dr. Ruth D. Masha, Chief Officer Madam Agnetta Karembo, Directors, Madam Judy Kashero and Mr Mwangome, Dr Job Gayo, County Rehab Coordinator, Mr Mathias Tsuma, County Director Disability Services from National Council for Persons with Disabilities, Kuhenza organization director and program Officer, Mr Leonard Mbonani and Loice Maluku, Legal representatives from Kilifi Office of the County Attorney and department officers were present during the meeting.
The Act outlines PWDs’ privileges and rights, among them the right to employment, health care, education, sports and recreation activities. It also highlights The Kilifi County Board for persons with Disabilities and the Kilifi County Persons with Disability Fund, which are to be created under the provisions of the Act.
The fund would be established with the following objectives: Purchasing assistive devices for PWDs, issuing grants to PWD associations, building PWD capacity, supporting PWD education programs, establishing PWD rehabilitation centres, supporting PWD research, raising awareness of disability, and undertaking any other activities in support of the Kilifi County PWDs Act.
Discussions are still ongoing to make the Act’s provisions a reality through the creation of the board, the County Disability Board and Disability Fund as required by the Act. The Department of Social Services, which is in charge of the welfare of PWDs as well as other special interest groups, will keep up its close cooperation with other actors and the national government to provide social services, including PWD registration, government cash transfer programs, and the provision of assistive devices among other disability services.
