KAKAMEGA: Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has asked the Government to declare jiggers infestation a national disaster.
Mr Atwoli also proposed that all workers, in both public and private sectors, be compelled to contribute at least Sh1 towards the campaign against the infestation.
"I never knew this pest has afflicted people in this region. Every Kenyan should join the campaign to eradicate the menace. The Government should come up with ideas," Atwoli said during an anti jigger infestation campaign in Khwisero Sub-county over the weekend. Over 2000 people were treated during the campaign.
"Leaders have failed to come out and speak about the infestation because of political correctness. In almost every corner of this country, we have people affected by jiggers. It is all about poverty and as we know half of Kenyans live below the poverty line."
Ahadi Kenya CEO Stanley Kamau, who was also present at the event, accused political leaders of neglecting their electorate saying though they call for massive registration of voters, they have failed to improve the welfare of the voters.
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"The jigger mennace is solely associated with poverty and poor sanitation. Why would you insist that people seek identification and voters card yet they are living in deplorable conditions? How will someone who cannot afford a simple meal or simple sanitation be interested in voting?" posed Dr Kamau.
Kamau said the Government needed to streamline the retirement plan as most of people suffering from jigger infestation are old men.
RIGHT PEOPLE
"The Government has a fund for old people but does this money reach the needy? Is it used in the right manner? The money should be channeled to those old and poor people who cannot access sanitation to eradicate the menace," said Kamau.
"County governments need to supplement the national government's policy by allocating funds to fight the menace. Leaders should stop fighting the campaign to eradicate jiggers because of political reasons. Jiggers do not choose tribe or political party. It attacks all."
Buheri community based group Public Relations Officer Emily Nasambu said poverty in the region has contributed to the rate of infestation.
