Kajiado:Twelve community groups in Kajiado County dedicated to promoting the welfare and rights of children with disabilities have received financial support aimed at bolstering their activities and improving the livelihoods of their members.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Action Foundation, in collaboration with the Kajiado County Department of Social Services, has provided Sh480,000, allocating Sh40,000 to each group. This funding was facilitated through the CARE programme, which organizes parents of children with disabilities into groups to support their economic empowerment.
Naomi Parinkoi, County Executive Committee Member for Social Services, stated that the initiative aims to help parents establish small-scale businesses. Many parents face challenges in securing formal employment due to the demands of caring for their children. Parinkoi explained that the funds would empower parents economically by enabling them to establish such businesses.
The beneficiaries of the initiative have undergone training in business selection and management, equipping them with skills necessary for running profitable enterprises. Parinkoi noted that the funds were distributed as repayable loans, with beneficiaries expected to repay them to allow other groups to benefit from the programme.
The initiative was conducted in partnership with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD). Parinkoi expressed appreciation to the Action Foundation for their support, highlighting that the Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation programme has also partnered with the county to procure two ultrasound machines. These machines are intended to enhance access to maternity healthcare and improve health outcomes for mothers and children by supporting early identification of potential developmental risks.
The ultrasound machines have been stationed at Isinya health centre and a portable one at Ilpolosat Health centre, aimed at strengthening maternal healthcare in rural areas. Furthermore, Parinkoi mentioned that the county government has increased funding to the disabilities mainstreaming fund to further improve the lives of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Kajiado County.
