Mombasa: The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) has invested approximately Sh55 million over the last three years in the Coast region to construct classrooms and dormitories, aiding individuals living with disabilities. This was revealed by Prof. Margaret Kamar, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Fund, during an event in Mombasa where over 20 people with disabilities received vocational tools to support their economic empowerment.
According to Kenya News Agency, the NFDK distributed various income-generating tools such as sewing machines, barber machines, salon kits, and car wash machines to individuals with disabilities upon request. Additionally, institutions that house learners with disabilities received donations worth Sh2,361,020 as part of the launch of the Coast Region Empowerment Programme.
During the event, Senator Prof. Margaret Kamar encouraged institutions to reach out to the Fund for flagship grant funding, which supports infrastructural development. This flagship programme offers donations of up to Sh3 million per institution for major building projects, starting with classrooms and expanding to dormitories, enabling children to transition from home to school environments.
Prof. Kamar emphasized the importance of boarding facilities, urging county authorities to provide schools with nurses or caregivers in addition to matrons, highlighting the constitutional right to equal education for every child in the country. The Fund’s mandate includes enhancing the social and economic empowerment of persons with disabilities through the provision of mobility and rehabilitative devices, vocational tools, and promoting the right to education.
Institutions such as Bura Vocational Rehabilitation Centre, Mombasa School for the Mentally Challenged, Kwale School for the Deaf, Fumbuni Primary, and Kafundini Special School have benefited from the Fund’s initiatives. The Fund also advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities, aiming to shift public perception on disability matters.
Prof. Kamar called for collaboration among stakeholders to mainstream disability issues through awareness and programs, ensuring beneficiaries receive and effectively use the tools provided. The Fund works closely with local administrations to facilitate access for beneficiaries at the grassroots level.
Patrick Jilani, Head teacher at Kafundini Special School in Kilifi County, expressed gratitude for a Sh200,000 cheque to aid learners with disabilities, emphasizing the need for specific resources and infrastructure modifications to accommodate integrated learning environments.
Charles Mwende, a beneficiary who received a car wash machine, plans to utilize it to generate income for his family. As a newcomer to the car wash business, Mwende intends to apply for startup capital to pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations.
To apply for the Fund, individuals must be living with disabilities and registered with the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, possessing a national identity card.
