Hundreds of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are smiling following the recent distribution of wheelchairs and assistive devices.
This initiative was made possible through a partnership between the County Government of Kisumu and Hope Mobility Kenya.
The two-day wheelchair distribution event began on Wednesday at the Mama Grace Onyango Social Centre in Kisumu, where nearly 500 PWDs received mobility devices.
During the event, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o addressed the beneficiaries, emphasizing that this initiative aligns with his administration’s efforts to ensure that PWDs can live with dignity.
“This is more than just a ceremony; it’s a celebration of dignity, hope, and renewed independence for so many in our community,” he stated.
He expressed gratitude to Hope Mobility Kenya for their ongoing support of PWDs, not just in Kisumu, but across Kenya and the continent.
“This effort builds on the steady progress we’ve made,” Nyong’o added.
He also mentioned that in July 2024, the county distributed 100 wheelchairs across the region and highlighted a previous handover of 121 wheelchairs at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) on September 19th.
“This journey is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with compassion and purpose. Let’s keep pushing forward toward a more inclusive, accessible, and caring society,” he remarked.
According to the 2019 population census, approximately 2.2% of Kenyans (0.9 million) live with some form of disability. The results showed that 1.9% of men have a disability compared to 2.5% of women.
Marygoretti Kilonzo, Programs Manager at Hope Mobility Kenya, stated that the partnership with the county government of Kisumu marks the beginning of a long journey ahead.
“We will journey together through this partnership. If your wheelchair breaks down, we will be here to replace it. If a child outgrows the wheelchair, we will also be here to help,” she assured.
Alice Otieno, a caregiver, expressed her relief after her son received a wheelchair, saying, “Today, I have seen the smile of God. This exercise should continue so that many more people receive support.”
Beneficiary Treezer Anyango added, “With a wheelchair, I can now move around with dignity.”
