Uasin Gishu PWDs demands more representation in county government
PWDs in a past function
Persons With Disabilities, PWDs, in Uasin Gishu county want a 5% reservation in the county government claiming their rights have been neglected.
Speaking to the press, Beatrice Cherop, Uasin Gishu County Persons with Disabilities secretary says the county government has neglected persons living with disabilities following the missing out on the nomination slots in the county assembly.
“We are gathered here discontented with our exclusion in the government. The seats reserved for us have been grabbed by people who don’t fit in the shoes of people with disabilities. Since we already missed the nomination slots, it is only fair that the governor finds alternative means to give us a chance to present one of our kind who understands us and who can present our pleas to the government,” said Cherop.
Unemployment among people with disabilities was a concern raised during the press statement, Cherop citing they are equal to the task and they are qualified for some of the jobs in the county government.
“Majority of us are educated and we have our diploma and degree certificates but we lack employment. We have children to take care of and bills to pay in these harsh economic times. Given an opportunity, we will be able to deliver because we are not lesser beings. The governor should humbly hear our pleas and take necessary action,” added Cherop
Asbel Choge, the person with disabilities leader, congratulated president Willaim Ruto for the good work he has been doing, urging him to follow up on their issues and fight for their rights as he had earlier promised during his political campaigns.
“The unfortunate turnout of nomination events is now a thing of the past and we are ready to put our differences in the past and work hand in hand with the government. We now appeal to the governor to consider people with disabilities in future appointments in the government,” said Choge.
Youths with disabilities are also calling on the government to find means to ensure they get employment, stating they are looked down upon by employers during interviews and the opportunities are given to people without disabilities.
“Getting into the job market has been a great challenge to us. We are young minds with knowledge but we don’t get the opportunity to put our skills to practice. We face discrimination almost each and every day. If only the perception of people about us could change, then this can be a better place for us,” said Phoebe Chepchumba
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