Lokichogio – Turkana County commemorated World Disability Day in Lokichogio Sub-County, emphasizing the importance of registering people living with disabilities in an ongoing mapping exercise. The event, focused on integration and sustainable development for persons with disabilities, was presided over by Moses Korea, Chief Officer for Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Social Protection.
According to Kenya News Agency, the theme for this year’s celebration, ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the sustainable development goals for, with, and by persons with disabilities,’ aligns with the county’s efforts to gather data to enhance the provision of assistive devices. He encouraged individuals with disabilities to participate in the mapping exercise to improve service delivery. The event offered various services, including general medical reviews and eye check-ups, building on the success of last year’s event in Turkana North.
Korea reaffirmed the county’s commitment to implementing the Turkana County Disability Act (2017) and highlighted proposed amendments to the Act aimed at opening funding opportunities for the sector. He noted the establishment and operationalization of the County Disability Board and the assessment of persons with disabilities for inclusion in livelihood safety net programs as key achievements.
Daniel Epuyo, Member of the National Assembly for Turkana West, commended the county administration for forming an inclusive disability board dedicated to transformative programs for people with disabilities. Mark Amiyo, Director for Social Protection, acknowledged the vital contribution of partners in supporting the event and activities for people with disabilities across Turkana. He mentioned their role in facilitating participation in sporting events during the Turkana Cultural Festival and NONDO in Isiolo.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Lucas Lokusi, Member of the County Disability Board; Amos Ariong, Assistant Director of the Social Protection Department; Benson Ebei, Head of the Turkana Office of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD); Concepta Longole, Head of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitative Health; and Esther Tokusi, Social Protection Officer for Turkana West.