Form groups to get help easily, CJ tells disabled

Chief Justice Willy Mutunga (left) and Standard Group Marketing Manager Nancy Wangui participate in a walk to mark the world White Cane Day. The 10km walk was flagged off at the Supreme court. The event was sponsored by the Standard Group. [Photo: Fidelis Kabunyi/Standard]

Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has appealed to people living with disabilities to organise themselves into groups to make it easier for them to get help.

The CJ said it is only through joining organised groups that people living with disabilities can successfully champion for their rights.

Dr Mutunga, who spoke Sunday after participating in a 10km walk organised by the Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB) that was meant to mark the world White Cane Day, said many benefactors are willing to help them only if they are members of recognised groups.

"There are funds from the county government, which you can take advantage of as members of a group or society to empower yourselves," said the CJ, who was the chief guest at the event.

Over 100 visually impaired people participated in the walk that Mutunga flagged off at the Kenya Supreme Court and which ended at the KSB headquarters in Nairobi West, where there was a free eye clinic.

The Standard Group was the official media sponsor of the event which saw participants walk through Kenyatta Avenue, Processional Way, Haile Selassie, Uhuru Highway, Aerodrome Road and finally Lang'ata Road.

"It is the organisations that start initiatives and then network with other bodies to get assistance. If you do not belong to a group, it becomes very difficult to get help," Mutunga said.

He added: "Motorists are the most notorious ones on our local roads. We should worry about the humanity of everyone including the disabled. We should give way and ensure people with disabilities have space."

Mohamed Gabbow, the director of the National Council for Persons With Disabilities, said the organisation will work with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to develop a policy to help create awareness.

"We will create awareness to not only motorists but other members of the public on the importance of the white cane and its usage. We will co-operate with NTSA," said Mr Gabbow.

Standard Group's marketing manager Nancy Wangui said they had partnered with KSB and other organisations as part of the company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.

"This is the second year we are partnering with KSB. We will continue supporting such noble initiatives, which contribute to the well being of vulnerable members of the society," she said.

The Standard Group donated over 50 white canes that were used in the walk, according to Faith Ronoh of the company's Public Relations department.