A total of 275 people living with disabilities in Tharaka-Nithi County have received a donation of 275 cooking gas cylinders from their women representative Ms Beatrice Nkatha.
The legislator also gave the PWDs an assortment of foodstuff to cushion them from the effects of Covid-19 pandemic that is ravaging the world.
At the ceremony held at Ikuu Special School in Chuka, the PWDs also received 50 wheelchairs, 30 clutches, 15 walking sticks, hearing devices among other assistive devices from Governor Muthomi Njuki led Government.
Speaking during the event, Nkatha said her office through National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) kitty had funded 28 groups have received more than Sh3 million for starting income-generating projects.
Nkatha said she will continue funding more groups and urged others to form groups since government funds cannot be given to individuals.
“Our funds are not refundable and that is why I am encouraging more groups to apply through my Kathwana office for the money in order to better their lives,” said Ms Nkatha.
She warned the PWDs against crafty people who use their disability cards to benefit instead of helping them.
The county Gender, Youth, Tourism and Education executive, Ms Sheila Kiganka said the Njuki’s government had set aside Sh4.5 million in the recently approved supplementary budget for the empowerment of PWDs.
Ms Kiganka said the leadership of the PWDs will be involved in planning for the use of the money which will also be channeled into funding of groups running income-generating projects for empowerment.
The official said the devolved government had also partnered with Walk About Foundation that has already donated 42 wheelchairs in the county and the collaboration will continue.
“The Walk About Foundation is also helping us to conduct assessment of the PWDs in order to identify their specific needs” said Ms Kiganka.
She said Governor Njuki is keen on empowering PWDs in order to make them economically independent.
