National chairman Association of People with Disabilities in Kenya (APDK) Fred Owako addresses the media. [Photo/KNA] Association of People with Disabilities in Kenya (APDK) is demanding action against political elites and shrewd businessmen who have been receiving millions of shillings through an affirmative action policy that had been enacted to allow women, youth and the disabled easy access to government tenders.

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The association's national chairman Fred Owako claimed the leaders have been registering companies with the money instead of focusing on the people living with disabilities. Owako noted that the cartels had also infiltrated all the country’s 47 devolved units and were being awarded tenders strictly outlined for women, youth and the disabled.“These criminal elements are well known and facilitated to benefit from government’s affirmative action. Some of these individuals own up to 20 companies that differently bid for similar contracts and tenders," said Owako."Majority of marginalised persons miss out on tenders that would empower them economically because they are not well connected," he added.

Owako was speaking during celebrations to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at Kiamaina Secondary School in Bahati Sub County in Nakuru.