Murang’a: The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) has appealed to county governments, development partners, and well-wishers to collaborate in supporting institutions that care for persons with disabilities, citing that limited funding has left many deserving projects without necessary support.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the commissioning of a new girls’ dormitory at Muriranjas Rehabilitation Centre in Murang’a County, Prof. Francis Kibera, Chairman of the NFDK Board of Trustees, highlighted the overwhelming requests for financial assistance the fund receives and the constraints that limit their ability to support only a fraction of these needs. Each year, the fund receives over 250 applications from institutions that serve individuals with disabilities, many of which seek funding for significant infrastructure projects like dormitories, classrooms, and vocational training workshops.
‘Because of limited resources, we are only able to support about 60 institutions every financial year,’ Kibera noted, emphasizing the need for increased funding to meet the growing demand. Additionally, the fund receives more than 10,000 applications annually from individuals seeking assistive devices and tools for income-generating activities, but only about 2,500 beneficiaries receive support.
Under its flagship infrastructure programme, the NFDK provides grants of up to Sh3 million for constructing and equipping essential facilities, with smaller grants available for infrastructure improvements and income-generating projects. The fund also supports individuals by providing assistive devices, mobility equipment, and tools of trade and promotes advocacy for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Kibera reiterated the organization’s commitment to advancing disability inclusion in line with Kenya’s development agenda, stressing the importance of stronger partnerships to reach more beneficiaries. ‘We will continue strengthening partnerships with county governments, institutions, development partners, and other disability stakeholders to ensure that no one is left behind,’ he stated.
The newly commissioned dormitory at Muriranjas Rehabilitation Centre is expected to provide a safer and more conducive living environment for female learners, improving their learning, rehabilitation, and overall well-being. ‘As we officially hand over this dormitory, let it serve as a symbol of hope, inclusion, and opportunity for learners with disabilities,’ Kibera remarked.
He also revealed that similar projects are being commissioned in other counties, including classrooms at Muiri Primary School in Nyandarua County, Lkurroto Primary School in Samburu County, and Muchatha Primary School in Kiambu County.
Muriranjas Rehabilitation Centre Deputy Manager Johnson Njoroge expressed gratitude for the new facility, which addresses the acute accommodation shortage for female learners. With 102 learners, 90 percent of whom are persons with disabilities, Njoroge appealed for additional support to establish an ICT centre and acquire more equipment for vocational and artisan training.
Area Chief Mathew Miako encouraged parents to enroll children with disabilities in specialized learning institutions for better access to education, rehabilitation, and life skills, rather than keeping them hidden at home.
