By: Erick Otieno
Migori, Kenya – Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Migori County have renewed their call to the county government to fully implement the Disability Bill that was passed by the County Assembly, citing delayed assent by Governor Dr. George Mbogo Ochilo Ayacko.
The appeals were made on Wednesday during a gathering at Migori Primary School in Suna West Sub-County, where PWD leaders, civil society, health partners and government officials met to mark a day dedicated to championing disability rights—an event first introduced by the United Nations in 1981.
Migori County Disability Chairman David Omuga led the group in urging Governor Ayacko to sign the Bill into law, saying the legislation is crucial for advancing justice, rights, and equal opportunities for the disability community.
Disabled entrepreneur Mary Achieng’ called on the government to establish a specialised workshop for the production of custom orthopedic shoes, noting that many PWDs face mobility challenges due to lack of appropriate footwear.
Representatives from Life Care Hospital, led by Sheila Ondieki, announced that they had offered free medical services at the event, including critical tests. The facility, she added, has installed a lift to ease access for PWDs and prioritises them in service delivery. She also highlighted the hospital’s specialist unit that corrects birth-related disabilities and its “Nyumba kwa Nyumba” (door-to-door) community health outreach program.
Former nominated MCA Bernard Ochuodho, who is also a PWD, urged the government to ensure that the constitutional requirement allocating 30% of AGPO opportunities to marginalised groups is implemented practically.
From Nyatike, disability advocate Tom Aketch called on PWDs across Migori to unite for collective progress and demanded that county policies be enforced to improve their welfare. Speakers also criticised the Office of the Woman Representative for allegedly sidelining PWDs in the Affirmative Action Fund.
Civil Society representative Titus Orwa, Secretary-General of the Migori County Civil Society Forum, suggested that the name “Piny Luo Cultural Festival” be reviewed to reflect Migori’s status as the most cosmopolitan county after Nairobi.
County Gender Director John Ombajo noted that the event served to celebrate achievements made in advancing disability rights, while former MP Denita Ghati challenged the county government to prioritise employing PWDs in the upcoming recruitment processes. She further demanded tax exemptions for all disabled persons and urged residents to remain united despite the absence of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga from active politics. Ghati also declared her interest in the Migori Senate seat.
Participants appealed to the county to honour the 5% job reservation for PWDs, allocate more tenders to them, and ensure their participation in the upcoming Migori Cultural Extravaganza and Piny Luo Cultural Festival. They also reminded Governor Ayacko that he championed a similar disability bill in 2021 while serving as Senator, yet has not assented to the current county version.
Migori County Chief Officer for Gender, Culture, Inclusivity and Social Services, Prof. Rose Ogwang Odhiambo, urged families to stop hiding children living with disabilities and instead ensure they attend school and access essential services.
With over 1.1 million PWDs in Kenya, leaders encouraged members of the disability community in Migori to seek elective positions to strengthen representation and inclusivity.
