‘I’m a human being before a person with disability’

Joseph Mwaniki was not born with disability. His life took a drastic turn when his mother took him for a routine vaccination at a mission hospital in Kilimambogo.

He could, however, not recall the vaccine as he was still very young and it’s a conversation he never had with his mother.

A few weeks later, he lost the ability to move his leg, a tragedy that would change his life forever. Joseph, coming from a poor family, did not receive any further medical attention.

When I met Joseph on a sunny Monday at his worksite, he was engrossed in his work as a stonemason, chatting with his friends and shaping his fifth stone of the day.

Despite his disability, Joseph's cheerful demeanor and warm smile stood out. Since I had only spoken to him on the phone, I could not tell who was Joseph as they were all seated and his disability was not visible until he stands.

Joseph was born in 1973 and is one of eight surviving siblings out of 10. His childhood was challenging due to his disability, which forced him to change schools frequently. 

At one of the schools in Thika, Joy Town, he was initially rejected because he was too young and the shoes given to aid his movement caused his legs to swell. 

His leg withered and stayed like that, with no strength.

“I opted to wear slippers since shoes were not working for me. I’ve worn slippers all my school life,” Joseph said.

It reached a point where Joseph felt unworthy of shoes.

“I used to go even to church with slippers on. I did not believe that a person like me should walk with a shoe.”

RESOLVE AMID HARDSHIP 

Joseph was taken to a primary school in Ol Donyo Sabuk. His relationship with other children was not the best as he could not move as fast as them.

“I could not run or play like them. I did not have many friends and so I felt different and pity for myself from time to time," he said.

Education was a struggle, yet Joseph persevered, finishing his KCSE in 1991 with good grades. Like any other child with dreams, Joseph aspired to become a high school principal. 

However, the poverty in his family shattered this dream, leaving him heartbroken. He stood no chance of pursuing his dream. That left him heartbroken.

“Knowing I’d never become a principal was not sitting well with me, and my situation was not making it better,” he says.

One day, Joseph woke up determined to change his life. Without telling anyone, he took a matatu to Thika town, leaving behind the village that constantly reminded him of his lost dreams.

He had no money or plan, but he was resolute not to stay in the village. Life in Thika was tough. 

Finding a job was nearly impossible for a young man with a disability. Joseph faced rejection after rejection, often crying when people refused to hire him. 

He slept in various odd places and missed countless meals, but returning to the village was not an option. He was devastated as everywhere he went, people would point out his disability and refuse to look beyond that. 

“No one was paying attention to me, especially at construction sites, as I couldn’t dig a trench, carry stones or even concrete.” 

TURNING POINT

One day, he met men carving stones and just sat there to observe and see if he could learn something that would be of benefit to him. 

He asked one man to teach him how to do the job so he could earn a living. He was shown the tools used and he bought one that cost Sh50, given to him by a good Samaritan, and another person donated a hammer. 

With the tools, he spent hours and days at his little house, practising. By now he had shelter, a little wooden house he was given by another man who was doing better in life.

After the practice, he started going to the site and would get Sh80 or less a day, but that did not bother him. He was happy that finally his life was shaping itself and having meaning. This was in 1997. 

It is here where his journey of having a job began. It was enough to begin shaping his life.

Joseph used to work so hard that people started loving him and referring him to other jobs. And from then on, he never slept hungry again and was consistent in perfecting the skill.

“When I go to work, I do it with dedication. Because if I don't, the other person won't give me the job,” he says.

His work ethic earned him a solid reputation, allowing him to work at various locations, from Phase 10 to Kikuyu, Rwai and Gigiri. The connections he made over the years have been instrumental in maintaining his livelihood.

“Since then, I have been working hard at any job I get to maintain and provide for my family,” he says.

His job has enabled him to fend for his family and not be in the streets, begging.

On average, Joseph earns Sh500 a day, but he can get Sh600 on a good day, which is about Sh10,000 a month. He says it has not been easy for his family, especially on paying school fees, but bursaries come through sometimes.

Joseph is a father of four children. The firstborn is in Form 2, the second born in Grade 7, third born in Grade 3 and fourth is in Grade 2.

“Finding someone to marry was difficult,” he says. “I had to go to church and get saved, and then stayed single for eight years before finding someone.”

His first proposal was met with rejection. The woman told him she wanted a perfect man, without any disabilities.

“I looked at myself and knew I stood no chance. I also knew it would be hard to find a partner, but I wasn’t going to give up,” Joseph recalls.

A few months later, he met another woman. After expressing his intentions, she said she needed time to think and never contacted him again.

Despite these rejections, Joseph remained determined to have a family of his own, so he continued with his pursuit.

After months, he eventually, he met a third woman. “She came and we talked. I asked her if she would accept me as I am. We stayed together for two years before we tied the knot,” Joseph says.

She agreed to marry him on the condition that he would treat her well and uphold their values.

On May 4, 2007, they had a church wedding, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Joseph’s life.

SELF-ACCEPTANCE

Joseph’s journey to self-acceptance was a challenging one, marked by numerous struggles and moments of doubt.

He often felt bad about his condition and questioned why he was different. It hurt even more when people imitated his walking style or pointed out his differences.

He recalls a particularly painful incident at a construction site where the foreman had kindly given him a job. When the owner arrived, he was disgusted and questioned why Joseph had been hired.

“Why did you give someone like this a job? I don’t like these people. If he gets hurt here, what will you do?” the owner said.

Joseph went home in tears that day, feeling heartbroken despite doing his job well.

“I could not understand why he talked to me like that, and my work was just fine. I was paid for that day’s work and told never to come again. I felt my heart rip that day,” Joseph says.

He says when growing up, it was not easy either as sometimes when it would rain, because he can’t run, he would be left on the road while others sought shelter, and all eyes were on him.

“Many times I used to see myself as different but I accepted myself, unless you tell me the way I am walking or you go in front of me, walk the way I walk, then yes, I really feel bad.”

Over time, he developed a thick skin and began to see himself beyond his disability. One day, he decided he would no longer feel bad about himself.

“I am a human being before I’m a person with a disability. I have brains, I can think, I can work, I can walk, just not like others. So I’m a great person and I can do great things.”

These daily affirmations helped him navigate life with confidence. The disability no longer weighs him down. Joseph believes in himself and gives his best in every job he gets, determined to prove those who see his disability before his abilities wrong.

“Look at yourself and accept who you are now. Whether it’s how you were born or due to an accident, God placed you here for a reason,” Joseph says.

Self-acceptance is vital, he says.

“When you look down on yourself, that’s how others will see you. Have confidence and walk with it,” he says.

"Sometimes you enter offices and they think you are lost. Show them you are not."

Joseph appeals to those who see others as disabled to look beyond that.

“Don’t assume that because a person is disabled, they are not intelligent or capable. Disability is not a disease, and everyone should be respected and given a chance,” he says.

Joseph says he owes his family a decent and comfortable life, so he does not have time to feel pity for himself as he has the strength and can also walk, just not like others.

He dreams of one day opening a job for himself. As of now, he cannot do heavy jobs since his leg does not allow him.

He is also determined to live his principal dream by educating his children to the levels he will be capable of. 

OVERCOMING DISCRIMINATION

Joseph’s friend and colleague, Muihoro Muiruri, has worked with him since 1997 and witnessed the discrimination he faced.

He has witnessed Joseph get rejected and people not giving him a job, which leaves him feeling equally bad.

“Joseph does such a good job. Even with his condition, he makes sure he has given his best. Disability is not a disease and I believe people should not discriminate against those who have any condition,” Muihoro says. 

“Joseph is a good man because he is dedicated and he has a family and he loves his family.

“If a person sees that he has a disability, he should not look down on himself. Be strong and God will help you. We do not see his disability, we see a man like us doing a job to provide for his family.”

Josephine Mwende, an activist and disability rights advocate from Nairobi, highlights the significant challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the workforce, particularly attitudinal barriers.

These barriers often stem from employers' lack of understanding about various types of disabilities and how to reasonably accommodate them.

This ignorance can lead to misunderstandings, insensitivity and ultimately, inadequate work performance.

Josephine, the founder of AbleRise Africa Society, says myths and misconceptions also contribute to the discrimination against people with disabilities in employment.

"Employers often focus on physical impairments rather than recognising individuals' abilities and potential contributions," she says.

Josephine says many organisations lack comprehensive policies that address the specific needs and rights of persons with disabilities in the workplace.

She calls for inclusive workplaces to empower persons with disabilities, enabling them to earn a living and lead fulfilling lives like anyone else. "Everyone has a right to decent work, including people with disabilities, without any form of discrimination," Josephine says.

"We're advocating for an inclusive world, and it cannot be achieved without workforces employing and supporting persons with disabilities."

She says communication barriers also present a significant challenge. For instance, deaf employees may struggle in environments without sign language interpreters, and those with speech impairments may not receive the patience and time necessary to express themselves effectively.

On self-acceptance for PWDs, Josephine says how one treats oneself sets the standard for how others will treat them.

"Accepting who you are makes it easier to interact with others and advocate for your rights and those of others," she says.

"Self-acceptance builds confidence and self-esteem, ensuring no one will take you for granted. I believe one can conquer anything once they accept themselves and recognise they are the best version of themselves.

"Let no one tell you otherwise. Just be you, do you, and let the world adjust. When you know who you are and your rights, discrimination becomes irrelevant."

Erina Susan, who works with the Kakamega Disability Caucus, also highlights the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, particularly in the workplace.

She says many people do not believe that individuals with disabilities can perform well if given the opportunity.

"People with disabilities are often denied opportunities and stigmatised," Erina says. "This can lead to depression, isolation and, in the worst cases, suicide, as they may feel like a burden."

Erina advocates for providing persons with disabilities with a listening ear and opportunities to work, focusing on their abilities rather than their disabilities.

"When we are given accessible environments, such as ramps and disability-friendly areas, we can work effectively. However, we are often denied these opportunities because others see us as a nuisance," she says.

While there are policies to support persons with disabilities, such as Article 57 of the Constitution, which addresses access to information and inclusion, these policies are often not implemented. This gap exists both at the government and community levels.

"It is difficult to find persons with disabilities in the corporate world because most employers view us as incapable. We have policies, like the 5 per cent procurement and employment rule, but they are rarely implemented," Erina says.

The President's also Cabinet does not include a person with disability, she says, making it challenging to ensure inclusion at lower levels.

The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) is mandated to support and sensitise employers on disability issues, but they often fail to do so. As a result, persons with disabilities are denied the guide allowance, which is their right.

"Many persons with disabilities are not aware of their rights, making it difficult for them to advocate for themselves," Erina says. "PWDs have been left to amplify their voices while people in offices are not doing their jobs properly."

She encourages persons with disabilities to join organisations where they can learn about their rights and how to defend and present themselves, especially when seeking employment.

"You may not be treated well because you don't know your rights. Being part of an organisation can help you understand your rights and make it easier for both you and your employer," Erina says.

"We always say there is nothing for us without us."

Erina advises persons with disabilities to trust in themselves, have high self-esteem, and believe that they deserve and can do any job.

"It all begins with you. As long as your spirit leads you to the right place and you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything," she says.

"When your self-esteem is high, there's nothing you can't do. Believe in yourself so that others can believe in you."

This story has been produced by the Star in partnership with WAN IFRA Women in News Social Impact Reporting Initiative