By Kimondo Maina, DevReporter, Nyeri County
Key Highlights
- Ability beyond disability through issuing assistive devices to the elderly people with disabilities in Nyeri County.
- Sustainability and innovation in addressing disability challenges.
- Advocacy and community support for people with disabilities.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was celebrated on 3 December 2023. The day, which is marked annually, was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The theme for 2023 was Towards uniting in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.
The day calls upon State Parties to take appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to all aspects of society on equal basis with others, as well as to identify and eliminate obstacles and barriers to accessibility.
In this light, RB News talked to elderly persons with disabilities and their caregivers in Karatina and Mathira, Nyeri County, about the challenges they encounter.
Mary Wanjiku, covered in warm clothes and gloves to beat the Mathira cold, shared her struggles: “I use this wooden stick to support myself. I have lots of trouble getting to the house, to and from the toilet.”
Mzee Mwangi also added his voice: “As I am, I am unable to walk. I barely do things on my own. I have a hard time attending therapy sessions.”
These personal narratives tell the profound struggles faced by individuals with disabilities and hence the need for support and understanding in their community.
Where there is life, there is hope. In the face of challenges that people with disabilities endure, there is a guiding light and a reason to smile.
In a remarkable initiative working towards “Ability Beyond Disability” led by Kenya Re, assistive devices are issued to the elderly and special needs adults.
The area residents expressed their gratitude to the initiative.
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to Kenya Re for providing me with walking sticks. I am overjoyed by this generous support,” Mary Wanjiku.
“I am grateful for the help from Kenya Re. This wheelchair is of great help to me, especially as I attend my therapy sessions,” Mzee Mwangi.
Beneficiaries and officials of the Kenya Re initiative posing for a photo during the event where PWDs were issued with assistive devices in the event held on 23 November 2023. Photo/ Kimondo Maina
This assistance from Kenya Re comes as part of an initiative dubbed the NIKO FITI campaign that focuses on addressing disability as a crucial aspect of Kenya Re’s corporate social responsibility. Over the past twelve years, the campaign has touched over 10, 000 lives.
Sustainability and Innovation
While speaking during the event, where 180 people benefited from the programme, the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK) National Chair, Simon Gitonga unveiled ambitious plans to advance sustainability by introducing solar-powered tricycles and wheelchairs, reflecting a commitment of ensuring that persons abled differently can attend to their duties with ease, bringing inclusivity, and working towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) goals.
Simon Gitonga, National Chair APDK during the event. Photo/ Kimondo Maina
Advocacy
Those who benefitted and their caregivers could not hide their joy and are now advocates of this noble course.
Jerioth Wairimu advised mothers who have children with special needs to stop hiding them and instead help them get the help they need.
The Kenya Re initiative has also received backing from the county government of Nyeri. Mr. Kelvin Kibara, the Director of Karatina Subcounty Hospital and also the county representative, commends the initiative and actively advocates for societal support. He urged parents to avoid hiding their special needs children.
“As a county, we have partnered with APDK for assessment and rehabilitation. We request that this process be enhanced. We also call upon all the community members to come out and bring their special needs children so that they can benefit from this noble exercise,” Mr Kibara stated.
This initiative is a testament to the transformative power of unity and compassion, affirming that in the face of adversity, ability surpasses disability.
