The County Government of Uasin Gishu on Tuesday joined the global community in marking the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, hosting a vibrant and inclusive event at the Maili Nne Fire Station.
Guided by this year’s theme, “Fostering Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” the celebration underscored a renewed push for equal opportunities, dignity, and empowerment for persons with disabilities.
Chief Officer for Gender, Social Protection and Culture, Marion Birgen, led the county’s delegation and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to mainstreaming disability inclusion across all sectors.
Birgen lauded Edmund Rice for its strong partnership, noting that collaborations of this nature remain crucial in driving meaningful change.
She urged county departments to fully operationalize the Disabilities Act 2025, calling it a robust framework for safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities.
“We must work together to implement policies that promote inclusivity. Every department has a responsibility to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities as guided by the Disabilities Act 2025,” Birgen said.
National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) County Director Hellen Tuwei emphasized that inclusion is not merely a moral obligation but a constitutional one.
“Inclusivity is not optional—it is a constitutional responsibility. We call on institutions, agencies, and communities to mainstream disability considerations in their daily operations,” she said.
Edmund Rice Program Coordinator Clalffin Achimba commended the county government for its consistency in supporting persons with disabilities, pledging continued collaboration.
“We thank the County Government of Uasin Gishu for walking the journey of inclusivity with sincerity. We remain committed to supporting persons with disabilities and invite more partners to join us,” he said.
The event featured exhibitions, performances, and community dialogues focused on awareness, empowerment, and cross-sector collaboration. It closed with a collective commitment to build a county where every individual—regardless of ability—has the opportunity to thrive.
