Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs) have been encouraged to apply for the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) to achieve economic empowerment and independence.
Tharaka Nithi Woman Representative, Susan Ngugi, addressed members of the Ganga PWD Community Based Organization (CBO), emphasizing her office’s commitment to prioritizing proposals from PWDs, acknowledging their unique challenges compared to other groups in the county.
Speaking at a consultative meeting in Igwanjau, Ganga Ward, Ngugi reiterated her dedication to representing vulnerable groups, aiming to reduce poverty and inequality by enhancing access to funding for socio-economic empowerment.
“I represent affirmative action, and PWDs are part of those I represent. They need to be prioritized and empowered to live independently through access to financial facilities for affirmative groups and support of value addition, which are under my office through NGAAF,” she said.
Ngugi highlighted that PWDs were often missing out on essential government programs such as Cash Transfers and Assessment programs due to the centralized nature of these services. She urged relevant stakeholders to bring these services closer to the community to reach more PWDs.
“Most PWDs miss out on key programs due to their inability to travel to select centers in the county. The assessment exercise, for example, was conducted in Chuka, Kieganguru, and Marimanti towns, which posed challenges for many PWDs. The exercise is costly and tiresome. Stakeholders should ensure these services are more accessible at the community level,” she added.
Ganga Division Assistant County Commissioner, Mohammed Haffe, encouraged all PWDs to register with the CBO to access opportunities needed for financial independence and prosperity. He emphasized the importance of integrity and transparency in utilizing the funds allocated.
“We have members of our division living with disabilities. I urge them to register in groups, which should also be registered with the social office and certified. It is not easy for one person to access funding and other programs, but functional groups like this CBO can,” he said.
Frankline Kaburu, Chairperson of the Ganga PWD Community Based Organization, criticized politicians for causing disunity among PWDs along political lines. He stressed the need for elected leaders to prioritize PWDs in decision-making and ensure their representation in multi-sectoral committees in the county.
“We have been used to settle political scores and as campaign tools for too long. It is time to say enough is enough. Politicians have caused disunity among us. We have been left out of key government programs and misrepresented in important governance functions. Let us not lose value after elections,” he stated.
The Woman Representative presented the CBO with a cheque worth KShs 300,000 for table banking and pledged her support in formulating more project proposals for funding.
