Kenyans have been urged to champion the empowerment and inclusion of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), especially by supporting their access to education and healthcare services.
The call was made by Prof. Julia Ojiambo, a board member of the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK), during a public engagement in Funyula, where she emphasized the critical role of inclusivity in national development.“For our country to truly progress, we must ensure that PWDs are not left behind in any sphere of development,” Prof. Ojiambo said. “We must include them in education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and policy decision-making.”
Prof. Ojiambo stressed that Kenya’s aspiration to become a united and equitable nation depends on how well it embraces all citizens, including those living with disabilities.
She noted that while the government has rolled out several initiatives targeting PWDs, greater grassroots participation and support are needed to bridge existing gaps.She encouraged persons with disabilities to take full advantage of available government programs, especially those that begin at the community level, in order to improve their quality of life and unlock their potential.
According to Prof. Ojiambo, the NFDK remains committed to supporting PWDs through the provision of assistive devices, vocational training, and financial aid for small-scale businesses run by persons with disabilities.
Her remarks come at a time when PWDs in Kenya continue to face widespread challenges, including stigma, limited access to quality education, poor healthcare services, and inaccessible infrastructure.
Prof. Ojiambo called on leaders, communities, and institutions across the country to foster inclusive environments that empower persons with disabilities and allow them to thrive.“This is not about sympathy; it’s about equal opportunity and dignity for all Kenyans,” she said.
The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya plays a key role in advocating for the rights and welfare of PWDs and is calling for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, and civil society to build a truly inclusive society.
