It is projected that 3.6% of the total population of Kenyans in Nairobi are unable to participate and are consequently locked out of the development agenda due to being physically challenged. In order to open for them opportunities, Kenya Re now in its 2nd leg has transformed the lives of 60 persons living with disabilities by issuing them with assistive devices to enable them to participate in social and economic nation building activities. The event was that held at Bombolulu APDK grounds in Mombasa County and was presided over by Kenya Re’s Managing Director, Mr. Jadiah Mwarania.
This comes one month after the 2016 Niko Fiti Ability beyond Disability CSR campaign flag off which saw 40 beneficiaries receiving mobile vending units, white canes, stylus and diapers that will enrich them personally and also build the country’s economy.
The roadshow kicked off from Mombasa town, and stopped over at Kongowea, Bamburi, Kisauni and Mtwapa town. The 60 beneficiaries from Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi counties received 60 mobile vending units, 80 canes, 80 stylus and 80 diapers that will financially empower them to better their lives. This year’s campaign, Kenya Re has also widened the scope of disabilities to now include and cater to persons with visual and hearing (sensory) disabilities as well as persons with physiological/mental disabilities.
It’s through the continued partnership with Association of Persons with Disabilities of Kenya (APDK) that aids in identification, assessment of persons living with disability through their nationwide distribution network and fabrication of the devices in their workshops in major towns in Kenya; that persons living with disabilities are endowed to get through their daily operations with minimal dependency.
Speaking at the event, Kenya Re’s Managing Director, Mr. Jadiah Mwarania said that he was pleased that this year’s campaign was going to transform the lives of beneficiaries in Mombasa County.
“It’s with great honor that we are able to empower the lives of these beneficiaries through this campaign. Through these assistive devices they will not only become more self-reliant but also contribute to the growth of the economy.” He said.
“As a Corporation we endeavor to promote literacy campaign that has educated Kenyans across the nation on the sensitization and awareness of issues touching on disabilities.” Mwarania added.
The 2016 Niko Fiti CSR campaign is geared towards providing assistive devices to beneficiaries in order to improve the quality of life so that they can engage in daily nation building activities. It is also steered towards ending stigma towards persons living with disability.
The 2016 Niko Fiti na Kenya Re campaign will visit two other regions across the country. This will include Eldoret region which will cover Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot and Kapenguria counties as well as Kisumu region where the distribution will cover Siaya, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Vihiga and Bondo counties. These caravans will travel through this regions providing public education on disability.
From its inception in 2011, the campaign has revived hope and productivity in the lives of over 2200 persons living with disabilities across the nation thus empowering them to go about their daily operations with minimal dependency. Besides leveraging on the principles of equality for all Kenyans in line with constitutional demands, the campaign has mitigated disabled persons limitations to access education, business and employment which eventually lead to economic growth.