By Jabali Digital
Hundreds of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) have a reason to smile, after landing wheelchairs and assistive devices, courtesy of a partnership between the County government of Kisumu and Hope Mobility Kenya.
The three-day wheelchair distribution exercise started on Tuesday at the Mama Grace Onyango Social Centre in Kisumu, and concluded on Thursday with up to 500 PWDs receiving mobility devices.
Addressing beneficiaries on Wednesday evening, Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o said the initiative by Hope Mobility Kenya, complements his administration’s efforts geared towards ensuring that PWDs live in dignity.
“This is more than just a ceremony,” said the second term county boss.
“It is a celebration of dignity, hope, and renewed independence for so many in our community. I’m deeply grateful to Hope Mobility Kenya for their continued partnership and commitment to supporting PWDs, not just in Kisumu but across Kenya and the continent. This effort builds on the steady progress we’ve made,” added Nyong’o.
In July 2024, he said, the county distributed 100 wheelchairs across the county.
On September 19th, the governor added, they handed over 121 wheelchairs at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
“This journey is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with compassion and purpose. Let’s keep pushing forward toward a more inclusive, accessible, and caring society,” he noted.
Marygoretti Kilonzo, Programs Manager at Hope Mobility Kenya said the partnership with the county government of Kisumu signals a long journey ahead.
“We will journey together through this partnership. If your wheel chair breaks down, we will be here to replace it. If a child outgrows the wheel chair, we will be here to replace it,” she said.
Wheelchairs set for distribution. Photo/Courtesy
Alice Otieno, a caregiver said a huge load had been lifted from her back after his son received a wheelchair.
“Today, I have seen the smile of God,” she said, adding, “This exercise should continue so that many people get support.”
“With a wheelchair, I can now move around with dignity,” added Treezer Anyango, a beneficiary.
According to the 2019 population census, 2.2% (0.9 million Kenyans) live with some form of disability.
The census results indicate that 1.9% of men have a disability, compared with 2.5% of women.
