Kisii County Deputy Governor, Joash Maangi has appealed to residents to embrace People Living with Disabilities (PWDs).
Speaking at the Kisii Cultural Hall on Wednesday when he donated spectacles to 20 children living with albinism Maangi urged the society to accommodate them and offer them the necessary support.
“Children living with albinism should be given support. They are part of us and are our children. Nobody chose to be born with or without a disability,” he said.
The children also received sunscreen lotion to protect their skin in the event sponsored by the County government of Kisii in conjunction with Joski Foundation based in Nairobi.
The governor insisted that his administration would not sit back and leave the affairs to be handled by the national government singlehandedly.
“The fact that disability issues are a function of the national government makes it difficult for the county government to directly engage with persons with disabilities but the county government has deliberately decided to take up the issue,” he reiterated.
He revealed that his government has set aside Sh25 million to cater for the needs of PWDs adding that a bill was already before the county assembly concerning the issue.
However, the deputy governor opposed calls for establishment of a special school to exclusively cater for needs of children living with albinism. He rather encouraged them to emulate successful people in the society whose disability hadn’t hindered their success.
“Establishing a separate school will only escalate the challenges you are undergoing. Look at successful people like the renowned judge Mumbi Ngugi and learn from them,” he challenged.
Julius Rasugu, a teacher at Endiba Special School for the Visually Impaired in Nyamira North District, who also lives with albinism, also championed inclusion in schools saying it would reduce discrimination.
Culture, sports and youth CeC Moiro Omari said the government had since 2014 started a registration exercise for persons living with albinism to identify ad support their needs.
“So far 255 people have been registered and we have put aside resources for them in this financial year,” he said.
The Kisii County coordinator for people living with albinism, Douglas Marita appealed for a continued partnership between the county government and the Joski Foundation to offer education, special training and job opportunities.
“Sensitization should be done so that our people can have love for us and accommodate us. We also appeal for better representation and consideration for jobs,” he appealed.