By SHAHIDI TV Correspondent
The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) has disbursed over KSh 5.4 million in grants to 27 institutions and distributed business equipment worth KSh 843,334 to 22 individuals in Western Kenya.
The event, held in Kakamega County, marked a significant step in the Fund’s ongoing efforts to promote economic empowerment and inclusion for persons with disabilities (PWDs), particularly in underserved rural regions.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Julia Ojiambo, a founding trustee and veteran advocate of disability rights emphasized that the Fund’s support is aimed at fostering dignity, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance.
“These are not donations for charity, but strategic investments in dignity, entrepreneurship, and community development,” she stated.
The grants targeted special needs institutions and vocational training centers, while the equipment given to individuals included salon kits, sewing machines, welding tools, and IT accessories essentials to enable beneficiaries to run sustainable small businesses.
Prof. Ojiambo highlighted that in their flagship projects, 21 institutions in Western Kenya received KSh 3 million each to implement capital projects designed to enhance accessibility and vocational training.
“Western Kenya has consistently remained proactive in engaging with the Fund. We are happy to walk this journey with you,” she said.
Underscoring the importance of accountability, she reminded recipients to return any equipment they found unsuitable so it could benefit others.
“If you feel the equipment is not serving you, please return it. It will be redirected to someone who can put it to better use,” she advised.
Dr. Mike Kiswili, a fellow trustee and disability advocate who accompanied Prof. Ojiambo, commended the institutions for their role in care and empowerment, encouraging a broader shift toward sustainability and leadership.
“We urge institutions not only to provide care but to produce individuals who can support themselves and create employment for others,” he said.
Dr. Kiswili also challenged PWDs to participate in public life and leadership, leveraging government provisions such as a 5% employment reservation, tax exemptions on assistive tools, and duty-free importation of mobility aids.
“PWDs should compete in elections, pursue leadership roles, and be visible in governance,” he said. “The legal and policy frameworks are in place. Now the challenge is with us how do we utilize these benefits?”
He encouraged beneficiaries to complement the Fund’s support with government-backed programs such as the Hustler Fund and Youth Enterprise Fund to grow their businesses and create jobs.
Christina Kenyatta Pratt, Chairperson of NFDK, conveyed her remarks through Prof. Ojiambo, calling for a national shift in mindset around disability and inclusion.
“Every piece of equipment and every grant issued is part of a broader strategy to eliminate stigma, transform perception, and build a truly inclusive Kenya,” read part of her message.
She emphasized that NFDK’s role goes beyond material support, with robust advocacy initiatives aimed at breaking social and attitudinal barriers that continue to exclude persons with disabilities.
She urged county governments, corporate stakeholders, and civil society to join hands with the Fund to scale its impact.
“This is not a government problem. It is a society problem and together, we are the solution,” she said.
The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) was established in 1980 by the late President Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi as a public trust to support persons with disabilities across the country.
Its core mission is to empower PWDs through economic tools, assistive equipment, and institutional support.
One of the founding trustees, Prof. Julia Ojiambo, still actively serves on the board.
“When we started, we only had one house donated by President Moi. Today, we have bought four more houses. The rental income we generate goes toward buying more equipment for Kenyans living with disabilities.”
Over the past four decades, the Fund has evolved into a symbol of resilience and inclusion.
It supports more than 3,000 individuals annually through the direct provision of assistive equipment designed to enhance productivity and independence.
It also offers critical support to institutions such as special schools and rehabilitation centers, ensuring they are equipped to serve the disability community effectively.
The NFDK operates on a unique, self-sustaining model. By investing in rental properties and other income-generating assets, the Fund ensures continued service delivery even when government allocations fluctuate.
Beyond material support, NFDK runs campaigns and initiatives aimed at changing perceptions, dismantling stigma, and fostering a more inclusive society.
In her closing remarks, Prof. Ojiambo emphasized that the Fund’s approach is about more than assistance, it’s about equity, agency, and inclusion.
“We don’t just wait for donations. We invest. We create revenue. And we reinvest that back into our communities,” she said.
