Kiambu Youth and Sports Affairs Executive Machel Waikenda has raised concerns over the low number of disabled persons seeking development funds in the county.
Speaking at the Kiambu headquarters on Tuesday during the disbursement of Uwezo and Biashara funds to marginalised groups, Waikenda noted that the number of disabled persons applying for the Uwezo and Biashara funds is very low.
He also observed that people living with disabilities are not seeking the 30 per cent tenders set aside for them and other marginalised groups.
“I am concerned over the low number of disabled persons applying for the Uwezo and Biashara Funds and want to encourage them to apply because the funds were set aside for them,” said Waikenda.
Waikenda indicated that disabled persons will be empowered if they take advantage of the development funds and other opportunities being given by the government. The Kiambu Youth CeC said that disabled persons have every right just like any other citizen to seek the funds.
He asked the disabled persons not to fear saying that no one will intimidate them and that it is their constitutional right to access government services and opportunities.
Waikenda observed that thousands of marginalised groups have benefited from the Uwezo and Biashara Funds.
He said that the county is still receiving applications for the funds adding that marginalised groups should send in their applications.
At the same time, Waikenda said that his ministry has organised for sensitisation forums to educate marginalised on government tendering process.
He noted that most marginalised groups still don’t understand the process after the government adopted the online systems of tendering.
“We have organised for sensitisation forums across all sub counties to ensure that youths, women and persons with disabilities are taught on the tendering process to enable them do business with the government effectively,” added Waikenda.