The county government of Kiambu has applauded families who live with People Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) for taking care of them and showing them love.
Lari Kirenga MCA Josphat Kinyanjui yesterday said some years ago, a lot of families used to hide such people, in fear of being segregated in the society if they were known to have such a person in their home.
However, following campaigns done by the government, media, civil society, churches and sensitisation forums, many families accepted them and started living with them positively.
The MCA who is also a member of the PLWDs, added that those people are abled differently have something unique.
He added that, he will never forget how he was supported and elected as an MCA by people who believed in him.
“I thank all residents who believed in me regardless of my status. This shows that, our people are enlightened enough and can support our members. In this regard, I thank families with such people. I know some conditions are even worse, but they live with them” he said.
He spoke when he accompanied the Kiambu government’s Directorate of Gender and Social Services to distribute sanitary items to school going learners as well as middle aged and the elderly people who are living with disabilities in his ward.
They also visited schools such as Gathaiti comprehensive school. Girls were being issued with sanitary towels while boys were being issued with inner wears.
“The aim of doing this is to educate learners about their personal hygiene. Even after we talk to them about how to take care of themselves, their teachers and parents will ensure that they have observed hygiene” he said.
Speaking at Githirioni sub location in his ward, Kinyanjui thanked Kiambu governor Dr kimani Wamatangi for initiating the program, saying its aim was to support the needy in the society.
The area MCA who said over 500 people have benefitted, was accompanied by Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and Community Health Assistants.
They were moving door to door and at times requesting the people who takes care of the PLWDs to come to a certain center to collect their items which also had some food stuff.
A resident Ann Njoroge thanked the county government for coming up with a such a program, since it was impacting to many families who would never be known.
“This is a good program that we would wish it lasts. So many families who have never gotten assistance from leaders have received” she said.
