Eldoret PWDs Protest Over Sh15 Million County Funding
The group petitioned Governor Jonathan Bii to intervene and ensure the funds, which were approved in the previous financial year, are released to the intended beneficiaries.
Some persons living with disabilities led by nominated MCA Regina Chumba (right) protest in Eldoret on September 25, 2026, over the delayed release of Sh15 million allocated to support their programmes. Photo: The Star Kenya.
By Robert Mutasi
A group of persons with disabilities has protested in Eldoret, demanding the release of Sh15 million allocated by the Uasin Gishu County Government to support their programmes and improve their livelihoods.
The group petitioned Governor Jonathan Bii to intervene and ensure the funds, which were approved in the previous financial year, are released to the intended beneficiaries.
The protesters were led by nominated MCA Regina Chumba, who said the allocation had been approved by the county assembly and questioned why the money had not been disbursed more than a year later.
“As an MCA, I played my role to push for approval of the funding, and it is now upon the executive to ensure we get what is rightfully ours. It is unfortunate we have to suffer protesting on the streets so that we get our rights,” Chumba said.
She said Governor Bii had previously pledged to facilitate the release of the funds but the commitment had not been implemented.
Fredrick Kipchumba, another representative of the group, said PWD representatives had held more than five meetings with county officials to follow up on the allocation without success.
“The county officials keep taking us in circles instead of simply releasing the money, as is the case for other programmes or projects,” he said.
The protesters said the funds would help them access bursaries, medical support and other programmes designed to improve their welfare.
Abraham Tarus, a representative from Kapseret, urged the county administration to release the money so that PWDs can benefit from the programmes for which it was allocated.
The group also raised concerns over employment opportunities, saying qualified persons with disabilities were being denied opportunities to work in the county government.
Pastor Gordon Juma, one of the representatives, said the county should provide employment opportunities to qualified PWDs.
“The county must be responsible and give us jobs because many of us are qualified in various fields, but we are denied a chance to serve,” he said.
The protesters also called for access to procurement opportunities as provided for under the law.
Collins Kiprotich said the demand for the funds was not politically motivated, arguing that PWDs were seeking access to resources and opportunities they are entitled to.
“This matter is not political at all. We are here to fight for our rights and we are asking the governor to ensure we are not subjected to such suffering where we have to protest on the streets in order to get our rights,” he said.
The group marched to the Uasin Gishu County headquarters but did not secure an audience with a county official. They vowed to return and seek a meeting with Governor Bii.
Uasin Gishu County Secretary Phillip Melly said the concerns raised by the protesters would be addressed by the county administration.
The protest has renewed questions over the implementation of county budget allocations targeting persons with disabilities, particularly where funds have been approved but beneficiaries say they have yet to receive the intended support.
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