Members of Parliament (MPs) have called for a shift in how support is provided to persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in Kenya.
The proposed system would change the current practice of distributing stipends to families based on the household. Instead, the support would be allocated directly to each individual PWD, ensuring they receive the financial assistance on a person-by-person basis.
This suggestion came from MPs on the National Assembly’s Social Protection Committee during a recent meeting with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.
The meeting was focused on identifying key areas that require changes in policy and funding.
One of the main issues raised was the existing funding model, which, according to the MPs, does not take into account the varying numbers of family members living with disabilities in different households.
This has created an unfair situation, where families with multiple members with disabilities receive the same amount of support as those with only one or none.
As a result, larger families with more PWDs are at a significant disadvantage, even though they are in greater need of financial assistance.
The committee, led by Vice-Chair Hilary Kosgei, who is also the MP for Kipkelion West, stressed the importance of revising the current model.
They emphasized that financial support should be provided on an individual basis, ensuring that each person with a disability receives the necessary funds to support their needs.
The National Council for Persons with Disabilities, represented by the outgoing CEO Harun Hassan and Acting CEO Eva Njoroge, also expressed their commitment to improving the welfare and productivity of PWDs across Kenya.
They also discussed plans to streamline the council’s operations to ensure more effective assistance for PWDs nationwide.
In addition, just a week ago, the National Assembly passed the Persons with Disabilities Bill (Senate Bill No. 7 of 2023), which aims to strengthen the rights and welfare of PWDs in Kenya.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Crystal Asige, includes provisions for significant tax relief for both PWDs and the caregivers of children with disabilities.
One of the key elements of the bill allows parents or guardians of children with severe disabilities who are unable to meet the child’s basic needs to apply for an income tax exemption of up to Sh150,000.
This move is intended to provide additional financial support for families struggling to care for their loved ones with disabilities.
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