People with disability (PWD) in Nakuru County will now access services in a more convenient and cost-effective way, following the development of an information management system that will see them apply for assistive devices, empowerment, and waivers from the comfort of their homes.

In an interview with Mtaa Wangu, Nakuru PWD Chairperson Issac Kairu, notes that the system will allow for effective mapping of PWDs, ensuring that most, if not all, are recognized.

Nakuru PWD Chairperson ,Issac Kairu, during the launch of an Information management system on People Living with disability (PWDs).

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

“If you look at forms used to apply for assistive devices, more often than not, we used to get them from the sub-county social service offices and then plan how to get them to our members. This was quite costly and time intensive, and not all people were reached,” he says, painting a picture of how this system may be a new turning point in their lives.

Mr Kairu further notes that the system will now offer services in a centralized place, saving many PWDs the hustle of having to knock on doors to get things done.

“You can imagine if you were to spend money traveling from the interior parts of Subukia just to apply for a waiver as a PWD. At times, what you are looking for in terms of the waiver might be equal to what you have spent seeking the services,” he notes.

Additionally, he says he is happy because the system will cut out middlemen when it comes to waiver applications.

Kairu notes that his highlight of the system’s development is that the county will now be able to lift the burden of the Ksh 700 disability assessment fee that some PWDs were not able to afford, making them miss out on government support programs since they did not have the PWD card or certificate being used currently.

“A covered assessment fee will encourage more PWDs to go for the assessment, allowing them to apply for government services such as support for assistive devices, which are very costly, for example, wheelchairs, white canes, or even hearing aids,” he says.

The Chief Officer Gender and Social Service, Gladys Kamuren, notes that the system will come in to improve service delivery. “I agree this has been long overdue, but we are happy with the milestone we have achieved.”

Gender Chief Officer, Gladys Kamuren,during the launch of the Information management System that will help in reporting and tracking GBV cases.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Ms Kamuren says that, other than easing the application process, the system will also allow for easy tracking of who has been served and who has not.

“The system gives the social service officers an extensive period of three months to fulfil the application of an assistive device before issuing reminders if this has not been done. This will ensure all applications are prioritized with the support of the system,” she says.

Further, she says the devices are not only meant for first-time applicants but also for those who have outgrown their devices or whose devices have experienced wear and tear.

“For instance, you might have outgrown a wheelchair you were given as a teen and now need one that fits better. You can always make an application to get a wheelchair a size up, as well as other devices that need an upgrade,” she explains.

For assistive devices application, one can use nakuru.org/assistive; on matters of business empowerment, nakuru.org/empowerment; and nakuru.org/exempt for waiver application.

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