Lodwar- September 25, 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The Chief Officer, Trade, Enterprise Development and Cooperatives, Polyne Tangarae hosted a team from Humanity and Inclusion (HI). The purpose of the visit was to discuss a way forward in advancing HI’s programmes set to improve the quality of lives for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and their caregivers.

This programme will benefit both the host and refuge communities in Kakuma and Kalobeyei.

With the Policy Briefs on the Rights for Persons with Disabilities developed, the discussions centred around collaborations in ensuring successful operation of the In-Business Steering Committee. This committee includes the trade directorate, social services, KNCCI, and actors in the refugee affairs, namely HI, UNHCR, DRS, ILO, and other UN agencies. 

Chief Officer Polyne mentioned the County Government runs the Biashara and Youth & Women Funds that aims to empower persons with disabilities and other vulnerable members of the society.

“The County Government is intentional in supporting persons with disabilities. The governor is leading by example through appointing qualified members of the community with disabilities in managerial positions in the county government.”

The In-Business Steering Committee Chair, Samuel Edapal, mentioned that with funding from ILO, HI will soon have a report on actual data of persons with disabilities within Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camps and the host community. The Committee short-listed consultants to be onboarded for the data collection exercise.

The team from HI also included Bernard Kariuki, Meritt Buyer, Annie Hans, and Alex Gachahi.

Damaris Kimani, and Michael Wesonga from the directorate of Trade were also present.