Distribution of equipment to youths and women

The Mandera County Government today launched the distribution of multi-million shillings assorted equipment to people living with disabilities, the youth and women to empower them economically.

Governor Ali Roba issued the equipment to the vulnerable groups outside his office saying they have been undergoing difficulties and urged non-governmental organisations to continue supporting them to be productive members of society.

The equipment included 31 motorized and manual wheelchairs, 45 adjustable elbow crutches for persons living with disabilities, 29 chest freezers and 68 sewing machines, five medium three level ovens, juice blenders, 30 assorted salon equipment.

The others are 20 litre capacity metal milk cans, 10 motorcycles, three automatic egg incubators, four car wash machines, 26 assorted salon and barber shop equipment, 2 desktop computers and 2 laser jet printers.

The governor directed the County Public Service Board to ensure any qualified person with disability should be encouraged to apply for jobs at Mandera County Government and be offered the opportunity on merit in line with constitutional requirements.

Mr Roba also directed the Ministry Roads and Public Works to ensure that all public buildings , offices, markets and Early Childhood Development Education centres have ramps and facilities for easy access as part of the county approach in setting standards, regulating and providing services to persons with disabilities.

He called for a stop of stigma and discrimination against persons with disabilities and cautioned parents against denying them education.

Mr Roba instructed the Ministry of Youth and Gender to start an annual prize for rewarding those who make a difference with the support they receive from the County Government. He promised to personally set aside a Sh500,000 prize money for such a group or individual who excel or showcase innovation going forward in their work places or businesses.

Representatives of the disabled, women and youth thanked the Mandera County Government for helping uplift their economic livelihood.