Kenyan Paraplegic Organisation

Being More than a Number – the Voice of Persons with Disabilities in Kenya.

Focusing on Bungoma County, this project aims to enhance the participation, engagement and involvement of persons with disabilities in the process of establishing a people-centered government in Kenya. It is widely acknowledged that persons with disabilities are marginalized on the account of their condition from the socio-development mainstream due to the inadequate representation, poor legislation, socio-cultural and economic prejudices together with lack of awareness on the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities.

With the public endorsement and following promulgation of the new Constitution of Kenya (2010) in august 2010, a wide window of opportunities for all including persons with disabilities was opened. For the first time in history, persons with disabilities and disability issues have not only been given visibility, but also, have acquired a national character in regard to representation and leadership. In this regard, there is every need to move fast and take hold of the opportunities therein the new constitution lest persons with disabilities loose them to other aggressive groups.

Through this project, persons with disabilities will be mentored and challenged to take up elective positions from grassroots to the national level. Opinion makers and local administration will also be petitioned to guarantee that persons with disabilities are represented at all levels and that they are accorded opportunities. In summary, the project is rooting for affirmative action for persons with disabilities in the establishment of a people-centered government.