Just days after the government rolled out massive registration of orphans, vulnerable children, elderly persons (70 years and above) as well as persons with severe disability, a section of PWDs in Nakuru have raised concerns over the exercise.

The lot argues that the government should come out clear on the criteria being used to know the level of disability.

Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, the group noted that many have been locked out of the exercise yet they are disabled and should be among the beneficiaries.

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Fredrick Omondi- a PWD who also doubles up as Chairperson of the Nakuru Para Volleyball team, points out that the issue of severe disability should not be used as a requirement to register PWDs.

Having monitored the exercise in various wards of Nakuru East sub county, Omondi says all persons living with disability should be registered under the program.

“We are surprised that the government is talking about severe disability and we wonder which criteria is being applied? Once you have a disability you are already vulnerable,” he says.

Omondi now wants the state department of social services to take action and inform the PWDs community on the criteria that was being used and whether it was genuine.

He has also questioned the target of the exercise as very few slots were set for the PWDs as compared to the orphans, vulnerable children and senior citizens.

According to him, no member of the Nakuru para volleyball team has been registered under the program in the exercise yet they are living with disability challenges.

“We are disgusted that no member of our group has been registered,” he reveals.

Sentiments echoed by Millicent Achieng’ who is also a member of the PWDs in Nakuru having lost her eyesight.

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“We are all vulnerable and the government should look into our issue. Why should they discriminate?” says Achieng’.

The government rolled out the Inua Jamii Safety Net programme for the enrolment of orphans, vulnerable children, older persons, and individuals with severe disabilities.

The initiative aims to provide crucial financial support to those who need it most and alleviate poverty.

For People Living with Severe Disabilities (PWSD), the registration process mandates the submission of the caregiver’s identification, along with all relevant documents for individuals with severe disabilities, especially those requiring 24-hour care.

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Persons living with disabilities in Nakuru question Inua Jamii registration criteria

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Pristone Mambili