The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the West Pokot County government have provided prosthetic legs to local people with physical impairments, which is often unaffordable.
Speaking during the issuance at Kapenguria County Referral Hospital, NCPWD County Coordinator Edwin Musungu termed the assistive devices as very expensive for the common citizen, hence the need for government intervention to enable the victims lead a normal lifestyle.
Musungu stated that one cosmetic prosthetic leg goes for about Sh70,000 with those functional types going for Sh1 million, which majority of people may not afford, thus the need for the government to take care of issues affecting persons with such disabilities by protecting and promoting their rights.
“The council in West Pokot County is implementing an assistive technology programme to assist individuals with disabilities in enhancing their mobility and ensuring a decent living,” said the county coordinator.
He explained that through the programme, 15 people were fitted with prosthetic limps under the pilot phase with more expected to benefit from all other subcounties once assessments are done.
“This is just the beginning because beneficiaries have been identified from West Pokot Sub County and we believe going forward, the programme will be rolled out in all other subcounties for more beneficiaries,” said Musungu.
He called on well-wishers and partners to join the government in providing the devices noting that the government has been upfront in supporting people living with disabilities.
“Lack of such assistive devices has made some people miss schooling, which is a drawback to development. We call upon more stakeholders to come on board and assist such members of society,” he appealed.
The cordinator reiterated the council’s commitment to the provision of the devices in strict accordance with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) protocols urging other service providers to adhere to them.
Meanwhile, a physiotherapist at Kapenguria County referral hospital Mark Chelule said it was a rare privilege to see people with disabilities being fixed with artificial limbs hinting that in the next few weeks another assessment will be conducted to identify other beneficiaries.
He asked those not reached to contact the physiotherapy section at the hospital or visit the people with disabilities offices for assistance.
For instance, Dancan Sawanga from Gateway Prosthetics and Orthotics Limited noted that the initiative to have the victims fixed with the artificial lower limbs called for a lot of patience since measurements were to be taken before effecting the process.
“We took measurements sometimes back and we are aware the beneficiaries have been waiting but today all has come to fruition. The devices are good and aesthetic, hence a success,” posed Sawanga.
On his part, an excited Noah Tanui from Talau location narrated that his predicaments came after an accident while he was riding a bicycle which led him to lose his leg but he now has a replacement.
Also, Janerose Kipkeny from Tartar said her leg was amputated after getting injured three years ago and her admission to hospital bore no fruit.
Mourine Charito from Kacheliba said she was born without one leg and her greatest joy is being fitted with artificial limbs.
She expressed her admiration for those who walk on their two feet, stating that today is his day to walk comfortably, overcoming the stigma he has been suffering.
At the same time, Stanley Kinywa from prosthetics and orthotic medical said they have been working with the council for the past four years and were being sent counties of their choice, where they congregate with those in need of the devices.
By Richard Muhambe and Erickson Kiprotich