Kitui County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Culture, Gender, Youth, Sports, ICT, and Social Services, Phoebe Mutemi, on Monday, 24th March 2025, presided over the launch of the 100 PWDs Wheelchairs Issuance and Distribution 2025 at the Agricultural Training Centre (ATC). The initiative, aimed at improving mobility for persons with disabilities (PWDs), was made possible through donations from the Walkabout Foundation. During the event, Waziri Phoebe commended the foundation for its generosity and reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting PWDs through various interventions.
In her speech, Phoebe Mutemi revealed that the county government plans to procure audiometer machines for testing hearing disabilities. This move aligns with the County Fiscal Strategy Paper, which has factored in the budget allocation for the Ministry of Health in the next financial year. The initiative will enhance early diagnosis and intervention for hearing-impaired individuals, ensuring they receive the necessary support. By prioritizing the well-being of PWDs, the county government aims to create a more inclusive society where everyone has equal opportunities.
The week-long wheelchair issuance program will be carried out sub-county by sub-county, starting with Kitui Central on March 24th. On March 25th, Kitui East and Kitui Rural PWDs will receive wheelchairs, followed by Kitui South on March 26th. The distribution will continue in Mwingi West and Mwingi Central on March 27th, before concluding in Mwingi North on March 28th. Hon. Munyoki Mwinzi, the majority leader in the Kitui County Assembly, emphasized that disability can affect anyone, highlighting the importance of supporting PWDs to ensure they live with dignity.
MCA Rose Kathoka, nominated to represent PWDs, urged families to bring PWDs out for assessment and evaluation instead of keeping them confined at home. She stressed that government assistance can only reach those who are registered and assessed. Additionally, Hon. Charity Musyoka, another nominated MCA representing PWDs in Kitui County Assembly, lauded the Walkabout Foundation for its generous support towards PWDs and their caregivers. The initiative is a significant step in empowering PWDs, ensuring they have the mobility tools needed to participate fully in society.
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