Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has emphasized the importance of ensuring that people living with disabilities (PwD) are enrolled in government social assistance programs to ensure their full participation in various initiatives.

Speaking at the Kamiigua Polytechnic grounds, the governor stressed the significance of registering PwDs with both the National Council for Persons with Disabilities and the Inua Jamii program, as it provides accurate data crucial for planning and resource allocation for projects and programs designed to benefit them.

Waiguru announced that the county government is actively engaged in the assessment and registration of PwDs.

She urged those who have not yet been assessed to visit the Kerugoya Level Five County Referral Hospital and Kianyaga hospitals for evaluation.


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The governor further stated her commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity, with plans to roll out the assessment program in every sub-county hospital.

“We are committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusivity to ensure no part of the society is left behind in the realization of the county’s socio-economic development goals. We will soon be rolling out the assessment program in every sub-county hospital,”  Waiguru said.

The Chair of the Council of Governors (CoG) highlighted the disproportionate exclusion of persons living with disabilities in many areas of society.

The county government of Kirinyaga, under Waiguru's leadership, is making concerted efforts to empower PwDs, ensuring their meaningful participation in the county's development.

During the event, Governor Waiguru distributed essential assistive devices to 306 PwDs, including 90 wheelchairs, 37 of which were pediatric and 53 for adults.

Additionally, 16 crutches and 16 white canes were provided. Four individuals received prosthetic limbs, while another five were fitted with hearing aids.

Waiguru acknowledged the need for palliative drugs for those with cerebral palsy and autism, Governor Waiguru announced the procurement of such drugs, which will be distributed through the Kerugoya Level Five County Referral Hospital.

“Recognizing the dire need for palliative drugs for persons with cerebral palsy and autism, we have purchased drugs to be distributed through our Kerugoya Level Five County Referral Hospital,” the Governor added.

To support the business ventures of PwDs, Waiguru's administration has eliminated the payment of single business permits for them, aiming to reduce disparities in opportunities, including education, economic empowerment, and political representation.

“The County Government recognizes the right of access to government services by every citizen. This will save PWDs the agony of having to move from one office to another in search of various services,” the governor said.

In a move to streamline services for PwDs, the governor has established a one-stop service desk at the county government's headquarters, akin to the Huduma Center, to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.

“The County Government recognizes the right of access to government services by every citizen. This will save PWDs the agony of having to move from one office to another in search of various services,” the governor said.


Furthermore, through the Wezesha Kirinyaga Programme, the County government has aided over 20 groups of vulnerable individuals and those living with disabilities in undertaking income-generating projects.

Governor Waiguru also announced the establishment of a County Empowerment and Development Fund to further assist vulnerable populations, including PwDs, women, youth, and other common interest groups.

Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), including Deputy Speaker Jinaro Njamumo, commended Governor Waiguru's commitment to supporting PwDs through the distribution of assistive devices.

Among the beneficiaries, George Macharia, 55, expressed his gratitude, saying, "After the road accident in 2016, my leg was amputated, I visited private hospitals but it was too expensive for me to afford a functional replacement for the missing limb. Governor Waiguru donated the prosthetics that am using, am still learning how to use it to get along with my life again.”

Governor Anne Waiguru's initiatives underscore the Kirinyaga County government's dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for people living with disabilities, aiming to ensure that no one is left behind in the county's socio-economic development journey.