By Gichunge Elijah
Picture Phoebe Okall

Governor Kiraitu has committed sh.15 million interest free seed capital meant to boost the empowernment programs for PWDs. While sh.5 million will be used for intellectual development, 10 million will be redirected for interest free loans.

While inaugurating a 5 member committee chaired by Michael Makarina to fast track the implementation of the PWDs Act 2016, Kiraitu said they are part of Meru hence the county cannot be great without protecting their dignity as well as involvement in all level county development programs.

He directed that tenders for youth, women and PWDs be advertised separately and that trade department ensure PWDs are also awarded some of the modern Kiosks his government is constructing in town.

His Deputy, Titus Ntuchiu, stressed on the need for a baseline survey to ascertain on the correct data of the people with disabilities across the county to aid in planning for the said seed capital. Ntuchiu asked MCAs to consider the PWDs in the tender awards for the 20 Million Ward Fund projects.

CEC in charge, Linner Nkirote, asserted that Gender & Social Development directorate will work closely with the committee to promote a society that match different abilities across the county.

In his acceptance speech, the committee chair, said he will team up to protect the rights of PWDs, intimating that Governor Kiraitu has been the only governor in Kenya to have known the plight of people living with disabilities.

A number of MCAs led by Gender Committe Chair, Evance Mawira and his Legal Affairs collegue Kinyua Turibu, who affirmed their continued support through the Act's implementation, were also present.