Kitui Marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024: Championing Inclusivity and Sustainable Change

Kitui, Kenya – The Kitui Regional Office marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2024 with a poignant celebration aimed at amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities (PWDs). The event, which was held in the heart of Kitui, was graced by the CECM for Gender as the Chief Guest, alongside MCAs, the DCC, and other County representatives.

The theme of the event underscored the significance of inclusivity and sustainability within the local community, with a particular focus on the challenges faced by PWDs and the need for advocacy in creating an accessible and equitable society.

The ceremony opened with powerful speeches that drew attention to the harsh realities experienced by PWDs in their daily lives, from barriers in accessing public spaces to limited educational and employment opportunities. The Chief Guest, in her address, emphasized the need for both societal and institutional changes to ensure that PWDs are not left behind in the quest for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

“Today, we stand united in our commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities are not just seen, but heard. It is time to build a society where no one is excluded, regardless of their physical or mental challenges,” Dr. Moses Saranta for NGEC Kitui Regional.

Key discussions during the event centered on promoting policies that support the integration of PWDs into all aspects of community life. Local leaders, including Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), pledged to work towards improving accessibility in infrastructure, public spaces, and services to accommodate PWDs. They also called for greater support for inclusive education, with a focus on ensuring that children with disabilities have equal access to quality schooling.

A highlight of the day was the unveiling of an action plan to further engage PWDs in community development. This includes workshops aimed at raising awareness on disability rights and advocacy, as well as practical solutions for improving accessibility across Kitui County. The initiative has garnered widespread support, with various stakeholders, including local businesses, pledging to play an active role in the effort to foster a more inclusive environment.

The event was not only a celebration but also a call to action. It highlighted the pressing need for concerted efforts from all sectors of society—government, businesses, and individuals—to break down the barriers that continue to marginalize PWDs. It also underscored the importance of ensuring that future generations grow up in a world whereaccessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability are not just ideals but realities.

In conclusion, the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 in Kitui served as a reminder that a truly inclusive society is one that embraces and advocates for the rights of all its members, regardless of their abilities.

With the ongoing efforts of local leaders and community members, Kitui is poised to take significant strides in ensuring that persons with disabilities have an equal opportunity to thrive within their community.

Participants march in solidarity to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2024