Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui has called on stakeholders in the transport sector to embrace people living with disability (PWDs).
Speaking on Thursday at Menengai Social Hall grounds in Nakuru East Sub County during the launch of the Nakuru County Disability Fund, Kinyanjui noted that people living with disability have had challenges in the transport sector for many years.
He cited some instances where those using wheelchairs have been denied chances in public service vehicles whenever they want to travel.
Kinyanjui who has once served at the National Transport and Safety Authority said it is high time that the nation through the transport sector thinks about the welfare of the people living with disability.
“If there is a sector that we have failed as a country in the transport sector in relation to people PLWDs.Some of them have been forced not to travel because the Matatus have refused. I think as a nation we must audit how we treat our persons living with disability” he said.
Meanwhile, all buildings that offer services to members of the public in Nakuru County will have to ensure that they are PLWDs friendly.
Governor Kinyanjui says the buildings should be accessed by all persons living with disabilities with ease.
The county will also set aside funds to install lifts in the buildings to enable easy access by the PLWDs.
A committee will be formed to spearhead the process of compliance and according to Kinyanjui, owners of public buildings that are not PLWDs friendly will have six months to comply.
“As a county, we shall engage the regional commissioner and county commissioner so that public buildings comply. Those that will not comply will be given 6 months to do so” said Kinyanjui.
Nakuru County becomes the first county to get the county Funds for disability.
According to acting Nakuru County CEC for Sports, Gender, Culture and Social Services Dr.Peter Kityenya, the journey of getting the funds has not been that easy.
He called on the beneficiaries to make good use of the funds as well as the equipment they have received.
The CEC also responding to a request made by Flamingo Ward MCA Eddy Kiragu who is also the chair Sports, Youth, Gender and Culture committee in the county assembly, assured that the county will support the Nakuru Sitting Volleyball team that comprises PLWDs.
Dr.Kityenya also announced that the county government of Nakuru will be training 55 sign language interpreters to cater for the PLWDs.
“The journey has not been easy. It began at the assembly and now here we are. Moving forward we shall also support the Nakuru Sitting Volleyball team and also train 55 sign language interpreters to cater for the PLWDs” said the CEC.
Sentiments echoed Nakuru County Chief officer Gender, Culture and Social services Ms Tumme Abduba and Mr.Josephat Kimemia from the Directorate.
The function was also attended by Nakuru Deputy Governor Dr.Erick Korir, Nakuru County CECs and MCAs among others.