By Peter Ochieng
The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) on Thursday donated equipment to 35 Persons living With Disabilities (PWDs) in Kisumu, in a move aimed at helping empower them economically.
Speaking during the event at the Nyanza regional headquarters grounds on Thursday, Prof. Julia Ojiambo, NFDK trustee and board member sad the equipment which range from sewing machines to barber’s kits, did cost fund Sh1.3 million.
She said under the current financial year, they plan to spent Sh60 million in purchasing equipment for the disabled around the country, with individual beneficiaries and institutions getting a share of Sh12 million within the Naynza region.
Ojiambo stated that every year, they receive up to 10, 000 applications of disabled seeking for support, but their resources only allow them to reach out to about 3,000, calling on other well-wishers to chip in. “The support is normally given out based on the neediest cases,” she said.
In institutions offering education to disabled learners, NFDK helps put up infrastructural installations such as dormitories, classrooms and physiotherapy rooms.
NFDK was initiated over 40 years ago, when retired president, the late Daniel Moi presided over a fundraiser that saw Sh20 million collected. From that initial capital, NFDK, according to former Kitui Senator David Musila, they bought a house to get funds to support the disabled.
Musila who is also the fund’s trustee and a founding member said so far, they have bought four houses, which serves as avenues to raise funds.
The former legislature warned beneficiaries against selling the donations at throw away prices. “We’ve had very bad experiences with some beneficiaries who sell the equipment before we even get back to Nairobi,” he said as he urged Chiefs to ensure that ‘nothing exchanges hands.’
Caroline Agwanda, Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o’s advisor on PWDs issues echoed Musila’s words, saying that she is a former beneficiary of the donation exercise.
She said she received a sewing machine several years ago, which she still uses to date. “Let us use this equipment to empower ourselves,” she added.
Lake Primary School and Lutheran Church Special School were among the beneficiary institutions. Individual beneficiaries include Nicholas Nyakakwa (barber’s kit), Betty Akoth (sewing machine), Tricycle (Henry Odhiambo) and Catherine Wekesa (Carwash machine).
