Garissa Governor Nathif Jama on Tuesday
said he has made a deliberate
effort to incorporate PWDs in his
administration.
Speaking during celebrations to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Garissa town, Jama said his administration will continue supporting them in employment, allocation of bursaries as well as ensuring they are considered for the county revolving fund.
The governor said the county government has established a fully-fledged department headed by a chief officer for persons with disabilities which will deal with their issues in a well-structured manner.
He pledged his commitment to addressing PWDs issues and involving them in decision-making on matters touching on their welfare.
“I want to repeat it here, and this message goes to senior county employees, that anything that you are doing, on top of your mind should be full recognition of our brothers and sisters who have got special needs,” he said.
Jama said his government has already employed 115 persons with disabilities in various departments and the number is set to increase in future county employment.
“Many of the 115 persons with disabilities we have employed in my government are in senior positions. I believe that together with our development partners we will leave a legacy for being champions for PWDs,” Jama said.
Garissa chairperson for PWDs Aden Bille Hassan called for greater representation in leadership roles. He said PWDs in leadership would champion efforts to eliminate persistent denial of basic rights and services to the vulnerable.
“Recently, one of our members was appointed as a chief officer in a newly created department for PWDs. It is through his efforts that we now have a large-scale event to mark this international day in Garissa town. We need more leadership roles in the county government to advocate for the rights of PWDs,” he said
