Leah Audan, the County Executive for Education, Sports and Social protection has assured persons living with disabilities of the Countys’ commitment in bridging the gap of access to assistive devices and economic empowerment.

At a meeting with representatives of the group today at the County headquarters, CEC Audan said that the social protections unit of her ministry had already laid down a strategy for executing the program that would lead to supply of wheel chairs, white canes and other assistive devices.

Noting that the County was operating the social protections unit in accordance to the existing laws of promoting access and affirmative action to the PWDs, CEC Audan called on the representatives to strengthen their leadership structure and use the approved contact persons in securing appointments with the County, Government institutions and donor agencies.

CEC Audan added that her office would be open to the PWDs and said that the conversation regarding challenges faced by the group should be regular to inform the most appropriate interventions.

“I also encourage you to form legal groups like CBOs or Cooperatives from which the Government can offer empowerment programs for business start-ups, loans, sports engagements and community service like peace caravans.” CEC Audan advised.

Mark Nakain who spoke on behalf of the persons with disabilities described the engagement as fruitful and called on the County to speed up the supply of assistive devices to PWDs.

Nakain also confirmed that his team will hold a subsequent meeting with the entire group of Persons living with disabilities to further deliberate on formation of self-help groups and structured encounter with the County Government moving forward.

Ignatius Idoka (Ag Director Social protection), Ariong Moses (Deputy director social protection), Richard Epae (Sports officer) and David Edoket (Administration assistant director) were present during the engagement.