KAKAMEGA, Kenya – In a significant initiative to promote inclusivity, the Christian Blind Mission (CBM) Global has teamed up with the Kakamega County Disability Caucus to empower Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to pursue leadership positions. This partnership aims to train leaders of disability groups across the county, who will then educate their members on leadership and governance.

According to Kenya News Agency, Secretary General of the Kakamega County Disability Caucus, the one-year project’s goal is to prepare most PWDs to seek various roles and representation to advocate for disability mainstreaming. The initiative targets to have PWD representatives in every committee, from grassroots to county level, equipped to defend the rights of PWDs.

Shiundu highlighted that some PWDs are already members of key committees, including those on climate change and the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF). She encouraged these representatives to actively raise concerns of PWDs to influence policy changes and actions from decision-makers.

The announcement was made at Kakamega Daisy Special School during a Training of Trainers (TOTs) event, where trainers were prepared to educate PWDs from all sub-counties in Kakamega.

Barthez Wechuli, Chair of the Navakholo Disability Initiative Group, called for increased financial support from the county government. Such support would enable the Kakamega County Disability Committee to conduct more training and sensitization programs, furthering inclusivity.

Gregory Nanzai, a person with disability from Mumias East, stressed the importance of involving PWD leaders directly in programs intended for them. He noted that it’s more effective for PWDs to receive information about government programs from their leaders rather than other sources.

Nanzai also urged the government and related agencies to ensure their offices are disability-friendly and accessible. This measure would enable people with disabilities to access these facilities without challenges, promoting greater inclusivity and participation in governmental and societal affairs.