At least 221 People With Disabilities in Kisumu have received wheelchaires to aid their movement.
The donations by the Walkabout Foundation aimed at improving their mobility and promoting their independence targeted all eight sub-counties in the county.
The beneficiaries were picked following a thorough assessment by county health officers in line with World Health Organization guidelines.
This initiative targets underprivileged families, providing them with much-needed support and enhancing their quality of life.
The Walkabout Foundation has been instrumental in distributing over 1,000 wheelchairs in Kenya since 2014, positively impacting numerous lives.
During the launch of the second round of wheelchair distribution, Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathews Owili commended the Walkabout Foundation for its generous efforts.
He emphasized the importance of caring for these wheelchairs, highlighting them as not just tools for mobility but symbols of hope and empowerment.
Dr Owili also praised the dedicated efforts of the committee, led by the Governor’s Advisor on Disability, Ms Caroline Agwanda, in making this initiative a reality.
Increasing demand for wheelchairs
The Walkabout Foundation Kenya, established in 2014, has significantly impacted over 20,745 lives and distributed more than 7,655 wheelchairs across East Africa. Additionally, their Nanyuki-based Wheelchair Assembly and Repair Centre ensures a consistent and affordable supply of wheelchairs, reducing waiting times for beneficiaries.
Caroline Mureithi, the organization’s technical assistant, highlighted the ongoing demand for wheelchairs, with a waiting list of 2,000 adults and 900 children in need of mobility support.
Its Nanyuki-based Wheelchair Assembly and Repair Centre provides a consistent, and low-cost supply of wheelchairs thus lowering the beneficiary waiting times.
“At our Centre, we provide repairs, modifications and follow-up services. We also rehabilitate children with mobility disabilities and offer training programmes to enhance their careers,’’ explained Caroline Mureithi the organization’s technical assistant who represented the Country Director Mr David Muhoro.
Furthermore, the county government’s collaborations with various organizations such as Visa Oshwal Community and Narayan Seva Sathsan has led to impactful initiatives, such as the free limb measurement camp for over 150 amputees from the county earlier this year.
“This exercise saw 300 PWDs from the Lake Region counties had their measurements in readiness for the upcoming fitting exercise scheduled for November,’’ he informed.
The event was attended by JOOTRH CEO Dr Richard Lesiyampe, along with other health departmental heads, and received positive feedback from the wheelchair beneficiaries who expressed their satisfaction with the support provided.
