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By Isabella Maua
Kenya Red Cross Bungoma in association with CBM International (global disability inclusion) have on Monday held an assessment program for persons with disabilities (PWDs) across Cheptais -Chepkube areas of Mt. Elgon.
The all inclusive exercise that targeted about 800 persons with disability, however, saw only around 400 being attended to.
“Despite getting very short notice as chairpersons, we however tried our best to reach out to the people we could, despite the small number who heed the call, I’m glad we have representation from Chepkube, Ngachi and Cheptais,”noted Robin Maasai, chairperson PWD.
Abraham Juma, a person living with albinism, lauded the exercise for being fair and transparent while on the other hand pleading the organizers to create more forums so as to reach every person needful.
“We’re happy Red Cross and CBM have included all PWDs in this assessment program, we also call upon the government to chip in and ensure we get what is rightfully ours, all albinos have today received sunscreen lotions and caps for sun protection, some have also been given crutches and wheelchairs as per their needs,” reiterated Juma.
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Josephine Cherop, a parent with a child living with physical disability urged the government to step in and register pupils and students who are in far off schools so that they too can be put in the system.
“My son is a student at Bungoma and there’s no way I can have him registered because he needed to be here physically for the assessment, I hope this exercise would be extended to schools or brought back when schools close because many of our children are away,” bemoaned Cherop.
Mary Marakalu from Kimaswa and chairlady of Charles Ngeywo PWD group, lamented on the poor communication channels which eventually led to poor turnout among the expected beneficiaries.
“To achieve the targeted population, it will be best for the organizers to use community health volunteers because they can effortlessly reach the most interior parts and fairly mobilize the incapacitated individuals so that they can also be captured in the system,” advised Marakalu.
The all day event conclusively saw over 50 persons with mental illness get assessed, and about 300 physically challenged receive the services.
The main target for the exercise which has now been done for the third time at Chepkube was mainly to ensure all persons living with disabilities are not only assessed and registered but also capacitated with the know how of adaptability to climate change and ways on improving their livelihoods.