Persons living with disabilities in Uasin Gishu have called on the county government to ensure there is a 5 per cent reservation of employment opportunities for them.
This comes after none of them was nominated to the Uasin Gishu County Assembly following the recently concluded General Election.
Speaking to the press in Eldoret town, leaders of the group led by Beatrice Jerop asked the county government to ensure they are factored in when employing in various departments.
They made reference to the recent nomination of County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) announced by Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim.
The county boss nominated 10 CECMs, but there were none representing persons with disabilities.
“We urge the county government to include people living with disabilities in the leadership of the county for example in the appointment of the county CECMs, chief of staff and directors of various departments. We also urge the county government to consider the section of the constitution dictating the rights of disabled persons regarding leadership and employment,” said Jerop.
Further, the group said that many people living with disabilities have degrees, diplomas, and certificates but they are unable to get jobs due to discrimination.
‘’Many of us are learned and in possession of degrees, diplomas and certificates and it is our wish that we are given the opportunity to serve in various departments,” noted Jerop.
Help educate their children
At the same time, the PWDs leaders also wanted the government to help single mothers who are disabled in educating their children stating that most of them are unable to sustain themselves financially thereby educating the children becomes a huge burden.
“There are disabled women who are impregnated and left alone. Raising the children will then become a challenge, especially educating them,” noted Vipy Jepchumba, one of the leaders.
The government had in February 2022 sponsored a bill which, among others, proposed that every employer – public and private – will be required to reserve at least five per cent of direct employment opportunities for PWDs.
As of now, the bill is yet to be passed.
Currently, the only existing law provides that the National Council for Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) is required to secure the reservation of casual, emergency, and contractual jobs.
