Elgeyo Marakwet County to undertake census of persons with disabilities

Elgeyo Marakwet County plans to carry out a census of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in a bid to seek ways of empowering them and adopt affirmative action in the public sector.

This follows a recently passed Motion by the county assembly requiring the census of PWDs after it was found that they were being discriminated against.

Governor Alex Tolgos said PWDs have in the past been locked out of key appointments and awarding of tenders because they have never been empowered.

"From our statistics, we discovered that PWDs have not been applying for tenders in the county yet the Constitution provides for equity and non-discrimination," noted the governor.

The census would capture their academic qualifications, age and skills besides other data that the governor said would enable Elgeyo Marakwet plan adequately for them.

LIMITED QUALIFICATIONS

"PWDs have been neglected by society because some parents have not been taking them to school. This has left the group with limited options when it comes to employment," he said.

According to the Motion sponsored by nominated Member of the County Assembly (MCA) Emmanuel Cheruiyot, all county residents should be considered for public appointments and awarding of tenders.

Mr Cheruiyot, who is also the patron of PWDs in the area, told The Standard that they felt discriminated against even after the introduction of devolved governments.

"Our members have been applying for various jobs advertised by the county but to our dismay, none has been appointed because we don't have the required qualifications," said Cheruiyot.

He said the disabled in most cases were neglected by parents and guardians when it comes to education.

"The county government should equip special schools with all the necessary facilities as a way of empowering the disabled," he said.

He regretted that social stigma was still rife and had hindered PWDs from getting an education.