Kakamega government has waived charges for disability assessment services.
Governor Fernandes Barasa said the waiver will help persons living with disability in the county to access disability assessment services free of charge in all public hospitals.
Currently, PLWDs are charged Sh500 for assessment services in medical facilities.
These services include standardised tests, which measure performance and ability of an individual.
“I have instructed the Health executive not to charge any PLWDs money when they visit medical facilities. And I want total compliance," he said.
He spoke during the distribution of assistive devices at Bukhungu stadium.
More than 100 PLWDs received assistive devices that will enable them to take part in economic empowerment activities.
“The wheelchairs we have donated today are specially designed with a comfortable sitting material, front and back carriers to enable our people take part in different business activities,” the governor said.
They also received tricycles, walking frames, white canes and lotion. This is in addition to a special package with food stuff ahead of the festive season.
Kakamega county PLWDs committee chairperson Lucy Mulombi praised the move saying many PLWDs were unable to afford the fees.
“It was unfair to charge PLWDs assessment fees yet some of them can barely afford food and school fees for their children" she said.
"But with this new directive you can be sure that none of us will be excluded."
Social Services Executive Moffat Mandela said the county will ensure inclusivity of PLWDs across the county.
“On July 27 we oversaw distribution of assistive devices to more than 300 PLWDs. We plan to procure more devices this financial year,” he said.
