On August 19, 2024, during World Humanitarian Day celebrations, 50 individuals with disabilities from Tangulbei Division in Baringo County and Kathonzweni in Makueni County received much-needed mobility aids from ActionAid International Kenya (AAIK) and its supporters. The recipients, ranging from children to elderly men and women, reside in the vast arid lands of these regions. The donation included 20 wheelchairs and 30 walking sticks/canes for visually impaired individuals, provided through AAIK’sGender Responsive Alternatives to Climate Change (GRACC) initiative.
The recipients expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support, sharing how the mobility aids will transform their daily lives. Hellen Lonene, a mother who received a wheelchair for her child, remarked,
“I am so thankful to ActionAid for donating the wheelchair to my child. This provides much-needed relief, as I no longer have to carry him everywhere. It has been physically and emotionally exhausting, with him entirely dependent on me for movement and survival.”
In Kathonzweni, 73-year-old Phyllis Muendo, who suffered a stroke and was in desperate need of a wheelchair, expressed her joy:
“This wheelchair has allowed me to move around easily, go to the market, and come back home.”
Cynthia Asafi, a project coordinator at AAIK, emphasized the importance of community inclusion, urging the Tangulbei community to embrace individuals with disabilities.
“In the spirit of humanitarian action, I encourage everyone to include persons with disabilities in all community activities. They have valuable contributions to make toward the wellbeing of our society. Let us support each other in any way we can,” Asafi stated
The deputy county commissioner for Tiaty Sub-County echoed these sentiments, calling on ActionAid and other humanitarian organizations to continue their support for people with disabilities in Tangulbei and the broader Tiatyregion. He highlighted the urgent need for collaboration to address the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in the area. This initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing inclusivity and empowerment for individuals with disabilities in Tangulbei and Kathonzweni, fostering a spirit of solidarity and hope within the community.