By Kimondo Maina, DevReporter, Nyeri County
Key Highlights
- Insight into caregiver challenges reveals the overlooked struggles they go through and the need for recognition.
- The passage of the Persons With Disabilities Amendment Bill (Senate Bill No. 7 of 2023) suggests potential relief to caregivers.
Kenya has made positive strides towards inclusivity with renewed commitment to championing the rights of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
From heightened media coverage on disability issues, to increase in development support through government-led initiatives, to efforts being made by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) towards achieving the inclusivity goal as stipulated in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Disability Mainstreaming Strategy 2023-2028, integral to the realisation of Kenya’s Vision 2030, all of which form part of the positive steps towards the inclusivity agenda.
Nevertheless, the story about PWDs’ caregivers remains untold.
Challenges and Experiences
Meet Susan Wandia in Kangemi slums, Nyeri County, whose life took an unexpected turn when she found herself facing new challenges after her legs became paralysed from the knees.
Boniface Gichuki, her husband, explains the plight he faces while taking care of her:
“I am a casual worker. There are days I secure work, and there are days I do not. Additional challenges include the responsibility of transporting my wife to her workplace. The scarcity of quality wheelchairs coupled with poorly maintained roads, make it difficult to smoothly navigate wheelchairs.”
In Kamakwa, also in Nyeri County is another story, this time about Shiphrah Ngima Kanyi. Shiphrah’s mother was diagnosed with arthritis and diabetes 25 years ago. For the past 25 years, Shiphrah devoted her time to caring for her mother, a journey not without its challenges.
“Because we don’t have a wheelchair, I am compelled to carry my mum on my back when we go to the hospital,” says Shiphrah Ngima.
Legislation and Hope for the Future
On 20 February 2024, the Senate passed the PWD (Senate Bill No. 7 of 2023). The law promises to provide relief to those who care for PWDs, through income tax exemptions of up to Ksh. 150,000. Additionally, full-time caregivers can apply for monthly cash transfer from the government cash transfer programme, with a minimum allocation of Ksh.10,000.
“I will be happy about that law because if I receive that assistance, I will be able to support my mother. Even getting money for food or to assist her has been a struggle. If the law takes effect, I will rejoice,” said Shiphrah.
An interaction with Anthony Nziuki, the Chief Executive Officer of the Association for Physically Disabled of Kenya, reveals insights into the process that would eventually lead to passing this Bill into law.
“You can be sure that this is not yet law, but it is now strongly in the pipeline, now that it has been given a nod by the senate.” Mr. Nziuki stated
