Orange Democratic Movement nominated MP Isaac Mwaura has urged persons living with disabilities across the country to apply for government tenders and do business with the government.
Speaking to journalists after attending the IKO BIZ Youth conference held at the Kiambu county headquarters on Friday, Mr Mwaura asked disabled persons not to shy away from applying for the saying that the funds and tenders were set aside for them.
Mr Mwaura stated that disabled persons will be empowered if they grab the 30 per cent tenders set aside by the national and the county government.
The nominated MP noted that some disabled persons were shying away from applying for government tenders.
“Disabled persons have to grab and also utilise the development opportunities being given by the government if they want to be empowered,” he said.
Mr Mwaura lauded the national and county governments for the empowerment programmes being initiated for the disabled persons and other marginalised groups.
He said the country will be able to achieve its socio-economic goals effectively if all people are included in development.
Mwaura at the same time asked the national and county governments to involve more disabled persons in leadership and governance positions.
The MP observed that the number of disabled persons being involved directly in leadership positions is still low.
He said the constitution provides for equal representation of disabled persons in leadership and that governments must respect the constitution and involve more disabled persons.
The Kiambu IKO BIZ Youth conference's main objective was to sensitise youth, women and disabled persons on existing government tenders and development funds was presided over by Governor William Kabogo and attended by various leaders.