By Leonard Murunga

Children living with various forms of disabilities in Kakamega county alongside their caregivers will have a memorable Christmas, after well-wishers donated equipment worth thousands of shillings.   

The children, especially those with cerebral palsy and mental disabilities received diapers and wheel-chairs, besides undergoing free medical checkup on Monday, during an event organized by Moyo Caregiver Foundation, in collaboration with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWDs), at the Approved School grounds, in Kakamega. 

Speaking during the event, Isaac Simiyu, NCPWDs representative said there is an urgent need for disabled people and their caregivers to come out and reveal their conditions, so that they receive the necessary support they desperately need.

“We encourage caregivers to come out and bring out their children so that the government can find a way of helping them,” he appealed.

“They must also know that disability is not witchcraft but it’s just a health condition. Let us not be shy about it.”

On her part, Radio Presenter Mercy Mmbone who is the founder, Moyo Caregiver Foundation said the biggest challenge faced by people and families with disabled children is lack of knowledge on how to help and improve their lives.

She encouraged men to shoulder the task of raising children with disabilities alongside their wives, instead of playing a peripheral role in parenthood.

“From interactions with the parents and caregivers, I have come to learn that most of them do not have the knowledge on how they can be assisted,” stated the Radio Presenter.

“Men, if you give birth to a child with cerebral palsy or any other disability, kindly do not abandon your child and family. Stand with them.”

Some of the caregivers present said raising a child with cerebral palsy or any other form of disability is never a walk in the park.

man.jpg

NCPWD representative Isaac Simiyu. Photo/JM

“It is not easy,” said Allan Ashiono, adding that it becomes worse when some people attach the disability to witchcraft.

“I call on the government to identify and assist people living with disabilities in communities. I may be willing to help but I have nothing to share,” added Alice Luvembe.

10% of Kenya’s population is disabled, with Nairobi and Kakamega ranked the first and second respectively as the counties with the highest number of children living with disabilities.

By Peter K'opiyo

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) has given a travel advisory following the high number of people travelling upcountry for the festive season.

The December holiday has witnessed huge traffic across the country, as many people rush upcountry or to the cities to enjoy the festive season with their loved ones.

"The Authority has observed a surge in traffic volumes along the Rironi-Naivasha-Nakuru(A8) Road and the Rironi-Mai Mahiu-Naivasha(A85) Road," stated KENHA in a press release.

The authority urged motorists plying the mentioned routes to remain patient and observe lane discipline for their safety as well as that of other road users.

Furthermore, KENHA assured road users that in collaboration with the traffic police, there would be necessary guidance and traffic control to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.

On the other hand, KENHA provided alternative routes it encouraged motorists to use when headed to or from Nakuru.

Among routes suggested include Naivasha-Njabini-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet, Nakuru or Flyover-Njabini-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet, and a third option of the Ngong-Suswa-Narok-Mau Narok-Nakuru route.

As such, the authority encouraged drivers to be cautious while on the roads as some areas are experiencing heavy rainfall.

More Articles ...