By Faith Anene, Kakamega
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has donated mobility equipment to people living with disabilities in his constituency. The event, held at Shianda KMTC grounds, was a significant moment for the beneficiaries, as it provided them with the tools they needed to enhance their mobility and independence.
During his address, Salasya highlighted the challenges that many people living with disabilities face, not just in terms of physical access, but also due to systemic barriers that hinder support from reaching those in need.
He urged the national government to revisit policies that impose taxes on organizations providing aid to vulnerable groups.
“People living with disabilities face numerous challenges, and it’s time we remove any obstacles that prevent aid from reaching them. Our government must prioritize their needs. Removing taxes on aid-giving organizations will allow more resources to flow to people who need it the most. We need to make it easier for these organizations to help those in need,” said Salasya
He called on Treasury officials and President William Ruto to pass legislation that would remove such taxes and ease the flow of aid to those who require it the most. “I am calling upon the Treasury and President Ruto to move with speed and legislate laws that will remove any taxes and other legal hurdles that hinder many organizations that are ready and willing to extend aid to needy Kenyans,”
Salasya also appealed to the county government of Kakamega to compile comprehensive data on persons with disabilities (PWDs), so they can be given priority when new opportunities arise. “I want to ask the county government to have the data of PWDs so that when they have any opportunities, they get the chance,” he added.
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya shares a light moment with one of the wheelchair beneficiary – Photo/Faith Anene/County Splash
Venessa Barasa, a Grade 8 student is one of the beneficiaries whose leg was amputated. She shared her experience of using crutches since the amputation and expressed her joy at receiving a wheelchair, which she said would significantly improve her mobility.
“I’ve been surviving with crutches since my leg was amputated, but now I’m really happy because I’ve received a wheelchair,” she said, her face lighting up with joy as she spoke about how the new wheelchair would improve her mobility and quality of life.
She added: “This wheelchair will make a big difference in my life. I’m excited because I can move around more easily and have more independence.”
Gladys Aromo, a girl about to join junior secondary, described how she had been crawling due to her disability. She expressed her happiness and relief upon receiving her new wheelchair, which she believes will improve her mobility and independence.
“If you don’t have the wheelchair you can’t even move, now that I have received this wheelchair I will be able to move and even join college since I have finished form four,” said Catherine Malaika.
