Turkana county sets aside Ksh 40M for people with disabilities

The County Government of Turkana has set aside Ksh 40 million to aid people living with disabilities to assist them start income generating activities.

Mrs. Amina Ewoi, the Chief Officer in the department of education in the county, announced this on Sunday during an outreach campaign to donate the necessary equipment to the disabled in Turkana County.

“The funds will be distributed across the county to assist them begin income generating activities. We shall also train them on how to wisely spend the funds,” she said.

During the function, more than 1,000 disabled people received wheelchairs, assistive devices, and grants from the National Council of Persons with Disability (NCPD) in conjunction with the County Government of Turkana.

The NCPD also issued cheques worth Ksh 1.2 million to 24 groups to enable them begin small income generating activities to support themselves.

Turkana County Chairman for persons living with disability Jack Lokwatom said it was a blessing to the county as persons living with disabilities have been forgotten for long.

“It is the County Government of Turkana only that has taken a step in recognizing the disabled in their budget and employment,” he said.

The County Government of Turkana spent over Ksh 5 million while the National Government through the Council for People with Disability (NCPD) Spent Ksh 500,000 in equipping people living with disabilities.

This comes just a week after Plan International challenged the Government to increase capitation for schools handling persons with disabilities so as to help enhance sustainability and running of such institutions.

Parents of children living with disability were also urged to effectively play their roles by offering equal treatment to all their children in terms of education opportunities and other social aspects.