We are equally fit, consider us for state jobs — PWDs

People with disabilities have criticised both the county and national governments for alleged discrimination in employment and procurement opportunities.

Led by the North Eastern Kenya PDW chairman Hafid Maalim, they said the actualisation of the five per cent inclusion of people with disabilities in state appointments remains on paper.

He said the situation continues to have a negative impact on their lives.

Speaking to the press in Garissa town, the group said having a seat at the decision-making table in both the national and county governments, will help in having their issues highlighted and fast-tracked.

Hafid who has been vocal in advocating for PWDs rights, said it was unfortunate that President William Ruto failed to fulfill his 2022 campaign promises of inclusivity and equity.

“The question that we keep asking ourselves is what become of President Ruto’s assurance that his will be an including government? Where are we represented in his administration. We feel completely left out,”  Hafid said.

He added, “We had a lot of faith in the Kenya Kwanza administration but our hope of ever being included in government keeps fading each time appointments are made.”

The chairman voiced his concern over the continued neglect of PWDs, despite the progress made in the 2010 Constitution, which upholds their rights.

“We have been totally sidelined by both the national government and counties, the number of people with disabilities working in North Eastern counties is less than one per cent. The situation is the same in the Kenya Kwanza government," he said.

He cited the recent appointments of Cabinet Secretaries, claiming that the PWDs were left out.

Only Abdi Dubat of the East African Community was appointed out of the 52 slots for principal secretaries.

"Among our members, we have individuals who possess the skills, experience and knowledge. Others are entrepreneurs and they need to benefit from the advertised tenders by counties and national governments," he said.

He said the government had not yet put into effect the existing laws that give people with disabilities 30 per cent of the procurement opportunities.

The chairman also called for the need to prioritise PWD on the provision of bursaries to enable them to access education.

He said for the longest time, PWDs have faced discrimination both in the public and private sector leaving them at the mercy of well-wishers.

He attributed this to the many cases of PWDs who are beggars .

He however expressed optimism that the President will still hand them appointments in Cabinet.

The broad-based government that has brought in members of the ODM into the Cabinet has led to speculations that Ruto might send home PSs and bring in new faces to further incorporate opposition members.

“This is where our hope lies. We know at some point the President will move to the PSs and just like he did with the CSs, he will bring in new faces. It is our humble appeal that he considers PWDs.”