All Persons Living with disabilities in Nakuru County have a reason to smile after the county embarked on a program to empower them through the County Disability Fund.
The program being spearheaded by the Directorate of Social Services will see PWDs receive grants to finance their businesses courtesy of Nakuru County Disability fund.
Speaking on Wednesday during the issuance of the cheques in Rongai and Njoro sub-counties, Chief Officer Gender, Culture and Social Services Ms.Tumme Abduba said the Department is committed to ensuring that PLWDs are economically empowered.
She urged PWDs in Nakuru to use the opportunities that the County Government of Nakuru is offering through the Department.“As a department we are committed towards the welfare of PWDs” said Tumme.
According to Tumme the other remaining 9 Sub Counties will receive their cheques before the end of this week.
Nakuru County is the first county to get the county Funds for disability. With the Fund in place, persons living with disabilities in Nakuru have reason to hope for a brighter future.
The kitty intends to use at least Sh278 million to improve and uplift the lives of disabled people in the next three years.
Nakuru Gender, Culture and Social Services Chief Officer Abduba Tume also revealing that already launched training of 55 sign language interpreters. “The training is fully sponsored by the Directorate of Social Services through the County Disability Fund,” said Tumme.
Upon completing their training, they will be stationed in all public hospitals across the 11 sub-counties and other public facilities in the region.
Ms Tume also challenging parents of disabled children to effectively play their roles by offering them educational opportunities and other social needs.
“We also want to ensure that all students living with disabilities are given an opportunity for education. A nation that ignores its persons with disabilities and the youth is on the road to destruction,” said Ms Tume.
The function was also attended by Mauche Ward MCA Philip Rotich among others.