Uasin Gishu County marked the final day of the International Week of the Deaf with a vibrant and inclusive celebration aimed at promoting awareness, inclusion, and support for the Deaf community and persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the county.
The day began with a flag-off ceremony led by key county officials, including the County Executive Committee Member for Education, Gender, and Social Protection, Eng. Lucy Ng’endo Njoroge; CECM for ICT, Sports, and Youth Affairs, Mr. Robert Kemei; CECM for Public Service Management, Administration and Devolution, Ms. Janet Kurgat; Nominated MCA for PWDs, Hon. Regina Chumba; and Chief Officer for Gender, Community Development, and Social Protection, Madam Marion Birgen.
This was followed by a procession through the streets of Eldoret City, culminating at the Homecraft Grounds, where the main celebration was held.
In her keynote address, CECM Ng’endo reaffirmed the county’s commitment to inclusivity, urging the public to end the stigmatization of persons with disabilities. She also called for stronger collaboration between the county government and the PWD community, particularly the Deaf, to ensure their voices are heard and their needs addressed.
“We must work together to incorporate persons with disabilities in all county programs and decision-making processes. It is only through inclusion and partnership that we can build a county that works for everyone,” she said.
On his part, the CECM for ICT, Sports, and Youth Affairs, Robert Kemei, emphasized his department’s commitment to ensuring that all programs and activities are inclusive of PWDs. He noted that true progress can only be achieved when every member of society is given the opportunity to participate fully.
“Our youth and sports programs must reflect the diversity of our county. We are committed to creating platforms where everyone, including the Deaf and other PWDs, can thrive,” Kemei said.
His sentiments were echoed by the CECM for Public Service Management, Administration and Devolution, Janet Kurgat, who pledged to champion inclusivity in county employment. She reiterated the county’s dedication to opening up job opportunities for PWDs across all departments.
“We will continue to review our recruitment processes to ensure they are inclusive and accessible. Employment is a key pillar of empowerment for persons with disabilities,” Kurgat stated.
Nominated MCA representing PWDs, Hon. Regina Chumba, urged the executive to consistently integrate PWDs into all county initiatives. She further called for the prioritization of disability-friendly policies and infrastructure across every sector.
“PWDs must not be an afterthought. I call upon every department to mainstream disability inclusion in all their planning and implementation,” she said.
Also in attendance was Chief Officer for Gender and Social Protection, Marion Birgen, who underscored the need for the full implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2025. She emphasized that the new legislation provides a strong framework for promoting inclusivity and safeguarding the rights of PWDs.
“The Act provides clear guidelines and obligations for both the public and private sectors. We must move beyond token gestures and institutionalize inclusion in all aspects of development,” Birgen noted.
