Severely disabled to get State aid

By Ally Jamah

The Government has announced a programme that will see severely disabled Kenyans paid a monthly stipend for their sustenance from State coffers.

Ministry of Gender Permanent Secretary, Dr James Nyikal said this yesterday, as the world marked the Down Syndrome Day.

Dr Nyikal said the programme would be patterned alongside the ongoing cash transfer programme for elderly citizens being run by the Gender Ministry.

"We are keen to provide opportunities to persons with disabilities in order to empower them and enable them participate in socio-economic activities on an equal basis with others," he said.

The PS explained that a pilot programme would soon be unveiled to target a small number of carefully selected cases in every constituency, adding it would be rolled out as soon as consultations with stakeholders were complete.

"In severe forms of disabilities like Down syndrome, the children may need constant support, supervision and care. In these circumstances, the care givers are denied the opportunity for gainful employment," he said while leading ceremonies to mark the World Down Syndrome Day in Nairobi.

It is not clear how many people with disabilities will benefit, but according to last year’s census, Kenya has 1.3 million people with varying forms and degrees of mental and physical disability.

"Poverty and disability are interrelated. Poverty may cause disability through lack of access to basic health services, nutrition and standard living conditions. Consequently, disability may cause poverty through lack of access to education, employment opportunities, inaccessible premises and lack of opportunities," Nyikal said. On the same matter, Kenya Institute of Education also announced plans to develop a special syllabus for people with Down syndrome, to cater for their educational needs.

"We are planning to partner with the Kenya Down Syndrome Society and other experts to develop the curriculum. Currently, we only have the syllabus for autistic children," said KIE Deputy Director Mercy Karugu.

Champion rights

Chairperson of Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution Charles Nyachae urged parents, guardians, teachers and activists for people with mental and physical disabilities to familiarise themselves with the Constitution to effectively champion their rights.

"Article 54 requires that people with disabilities be treated with dignity and respect, to access education and other services on an equal basis. We will work to ensure their rights are integrated in laws, policies and administrative procedures," he said.

Cecilia Mwari, whose nine-year-old daughter suffers Down syndrome and is enrolled in a special school in Nairobi, urged Kenyans to end stigma against people with the condition.

"People with Down syndrome don’t require pity and sympathy from you. What they need is love, understanding and opportunities to achieve their potential," she said.