• Summit in New York called for proactive action now and in the future
• Local efforts are also gathering steam, with Kiambu taking several actions
Image: AGATHA NGOTHO
The United Nations this month issued a global call to rethink disability inclusion.
At a conference in New York, the UN emphasised that amid multiple global crises, the inclusion of the 1.3 billion persons with disabilities worldwide is crucial for building a more resilient and fair future.
This was at the 17th session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP17) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
The June 11-13 event was themed: "Rethinking Disability Inclusion in the Current International Juncture and Ahead of the Summit of the Future".
It was co-organised by UN Desa and the Permanent Missions of Japan, the Philippines and Tanzania.
The event provided a comprehensive analysis to address the international community's needs to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for persons with disabilities.
The report presented a global analysis of the socioeconomic circumstances of persons with disabilities and the challenges they face, including the exacerbated impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Closer home, members of the County Assembly of Kiambu have passed the Kiambu County Persons with Disability (PWD) Bill 2024.
The bill, moved by Monicah Kiguru on behalf of Nyathuna MCA Edward Kinyanjui, aims to prevent discrimination against persons with disabilities.
Deputy majority party whip Francis Koina said the bill addresses issues of discrimination and the need for an empowerment fund for PWDs.
Nominated MCA Pacifica Ongecha said the bill seeks to ensure inclusivity for all PWDs, enabling them to access available opportunities.
Rebecca Nyaruai, another nominated MCA, said the bill offers employers who hire PWDs a waiver of county government charges and fees, thereby expanding job opportunities for PWDs.
Karuri MCA Peter Wainaina praised the bill for creating a board to channel grievances from PWDs to the county government.
Ann Wacera, a nominated MCA, said the legislation simplifies the acquisition of new generation disability cards for easy access to government services.
In support of PWDs, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities and the Kiambu government have initiated assessments to register all individuals with disabilities in the county.
Kiambu Gender director David Gichuhi said these individuals will receive certificates and be incorporated into the National Council for Persons with Disabilities' Management Information System to benefit from council services.
He said the registration exercise will ensure people with various disabilities can access services from the NCPWDs.
Kiambu NCPWD director Josphat Mokoit said the council offers a range of programmes to support individuals with disabilities.
This includes educational assistance through scholarships, specialised support for people with albinism and a monthly cash transfer of Sh2,000 for those with severe disabilities.
Meanwhile, more than 60 persons with disabilities from 20 counties participated in a two-day pre-assembly meeting organised by the National Council of Churches of Kenya at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru.
This meeting was a precursor to the 65th General Assembly of the NCCK.
NCCK PWDs Pre-Assembly chairperson Pr Geoffrey Wanyoike called for deliberate measures for inclusion, empowerment and integration of persons with disabilities.
He said millions of Kenyans live with disabilities.
“God gave us different abilities so that we all honour and serve Him in our different ways. It is, therefore, essential for all of us as Kenyans to include, empower and integrate persons with disabilities in social life,” he concluded.
COSP17 was preceded by the launch of the UN Disability and Development Report 2024 on June 10.
The story has been produced by the Star in partnership with WAN IFRA Women in News Social Impact Reporting Initiative.