By Nuru Salim
People living with disabilities (PWDs) in Kwale County have been urged to step forward and register in initiatives designed to enhance their access to essential social and government services so as to promote their recognition in society.
This call to action was emphasized during a registration exercise held in Kidimu, Lungalunga Sub-County, where over 300 PWDs successfully registered.
The event, organized by the National Council for People with Disabilities (NCPWD) in partnership with the Muslim Women Advancement of Rights and Protection (MWARP), aimed to provide official certification to individuals with disabilities, enabling them to access critical services such as bursaries, medical care, and specialized support programs.
Juliet Ruwa, Director of NCPWD in Kwale, emphasized the importance of participation in such initiatives.
“We are here to register and issue certificates to individuals with disabilities so they can access critical services. Many people with disabilities miss out on opportunities simply because they are not officially recognized,” she explained.
“We encourage everyone, including parents and caregivers, to ensure that these individuals are properly documented. Without registration, they remain invisible, and their needs go unmet.”
Ruwa highlighted the barriers that often prevent PWDs from coming forward, including social stigma.
“Many people with disabilities still face discrimination and isolation, which discourages them from identifying themselves,” she said.
“This stigma must end. Disabilities are not something to hide or be ashamed of with the right support, people with disabilities can lead fulfilling lives and contribute significantly to their communities.”
MWARP, a key partner in the exercise, echoed this sentiment.
Mwalimu Ali, MWARP coordinator, urged communities to embrace and support PWDs.
“PWDs are human beings like everyone else, deserving of dignity and respect. We need to create an environment where they feel safe and empowered to come forward,” Ali said.
He emphasized the role of community leaders, village elders, and area chiefs in mobilizing individuals and spreading awareness about the importance of registration.
The exercise revealed a persistent challenge: the lack of birth documentation for many children with disabilities. Ruwa noted that this issue is particularly common among children raised by caregivers rather than biological parents.
“Parents and caregivers must step up to provide the necessary documents to ensure these children are not left out of essential services,” she urged.
Participants from various areas, including Tswaka, Majoreni, and Shimoni, attended the event, demonstrating the growing willingness of PWDs to engage with such initiatives. However, organizers emphasized the need for greater participation in future exercises.
Athman Kibada, a representative from the County Budget and Economic Forum, also stressed the importance of community involvement in supporting PWDs. “We must stop hiding people with disabilities and instead celebrate their strengths. Recognizing them is the first step toward ensuring they receive the support they deserve,” Kibada said.
He praised the county government for prioritizing PWDs through programs like bursaries and financial aid, noting that such efforts rely on accurate data from registration exercises.
Beneficiaries of the event expressed their gratitude for the initiative. Saumu Salim Abdalla, a participant from Mwambao Village, shared her perspective.
“This registration is life-changing for us. It means we will be recognized and given priority when services like bursaries and medical care are available. I urge others with disabilities to come forward and register so they too can benefit,” she said.
