By Samson Wire
The County Government of Siaya welcomed Cheshire Disability Services Kenya (CDSK) for a courtesy call as part of its broader collaborative efforts in rehabilitation, health, inclusive education, livelihoods, social inclusion, and empowerment.
CDSK's annual programme plan supports children and youth with disabilities through the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) model. It targets twelve counties, including Siaya, Nairobi, Kisumu, Kakamega, Bungoma, Isiolo, Murang'a, Kitui, Makueni, Nakuru, and Trans Nzoia.
The delegation was received by County Secretary Mr. Joseph Ogutu and Chief Officer for Youth, Gender Affairs, and Social Services, Mrs. Judith Oyugi.
Cheshire Disability Services Kenya was led by its CEO, Cecilia Mutava.
Once implemented, the action plan will include training ECD teachers and children with disabilities to equip them with essential knowledge and skills. It will also focus on welfare improvements, facility upgrades such as installing disability-friendly ramps, walkways, and metal grills and empowerment through inclusive policies.
Additionally, the organization's plan includes introducing a disability bill to the respective County Assemblies in this case, the Siaya County Assembly for enactment into a functional Act and statute.
Other planned activities include training for Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) from Siaya, adapting and fitting ECD classrooms for children with disabilities, and conducting feasibility studies to determine expansion to all sub-counties in Siaya, among other initiatives.
The empowerment component for children and youth with disabilities will target those aged 0–26 years. It aims to equip them with knowledge and skills that enable positive social, policy, and economic impacts in their lives, while emphasizing inclusion.
Speaking during the courtesy call, Mr. Ogutu who is also the Head of County Public Service highlighted the Governor's strong commitment to inclusion.
He outlined the Nyalore administration's ongoing efforts to mainstream disability and gender considerations into the county's integrated development networks and initiatives.
"As a county government, we express our unreserved willingness to review the contents of the MoU when the time comes for signing," he stated.
He enumerated several key interventions and assets within the County Government that will support successful implementation once the MoU is signed, including:
• Committed leadership under Governor James Orengo, a strong advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities.
• A vibrant network of 200 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) deployed across the seven sub-counties and three municipalities.
• Widespread health facilities designed to accommodate persons with disabilities, supported by a dedicated team of grassroots healthcare workers.
• Model ECD centres being constructed or expanded, some equipped with special needs focus, learning tools, kits, and dedicated staff under the Department of Gender and Social Services.
Representing Governor James Orengo, County Secretary Mr. Joseph Ogutu welcomed the initiative and requested that the CDSK delegation submit the MoU template. The County Government will then internally review and discuss it, fast-track preparations, and schedule a signing ceremony with the Governor at a later date, along with a joint action plan.
The Nyalore administration, under the stewardship of Governor James Orengo, has a strategic plan that places disability issues, children, and youth at its core, with clear objectives and working policies for sustainable, long-lasting impact.
Notably, Governor James Orengo has already nominated a Member of the County Assembly for Siaya from the disability community, representing the broader spectrum. Additionally, Rang'ala Orphanage receives support through the Department of Trade, Enterprise , Cooperatives and Industrialization under the patronage of the Nyalore administration.