The government has been challenged to initiate table banking programmes for persons living with disabilities to jump start their own income generating projects. Speaking during the launching of a table banking program in Christ's apostles Church in Kiambu town, the church's pastor Rev Michael Kimani admits that majority of deaf people, who worship at the church, have undergone entrepreneurial skills.
He however regretted that they lacked capital to put their viable ideas into income generating ventures. Rev. Kimani affirms that such neglected groups too can participate fully in nation building if they are given avenues and resources to start their own businesses at affordable interests. The clergy said that they have initiated a table banking programme but cannot meet the financial demands of this huge community due to limited resources.
Rev Kimani noted that the entrepreneur courses offered by the church were done through the help of Mission Deaf Kenya Fellowship. "So far since the year 2001, over 50 deaf members have been fully integrated into the church’s worship service, which is attended by over 200 members with normal hearing",he said Paul Njatha, a deaf pastor, led the congregation in a powerful sermon where he challenged all to accept and respect people living with disabilities.
Rev. Kimani challenged the government to put up a sign language interpreter in all public institutions to ensure they get efficient services in a bid to avoid infringement on their rights, curb stigmatization and seclusion. Similarly, the clergy called on the inclusion of sign language interpreters through the introduction of sign language at all government training institutions. “People who have hearing impairments have been suffering injustice especially in police station and it is prudent to have a sign language interpreter desk in every police station to facilitate easy access of information and communication.” Rev Kimani said.