Township, Garissa County| In a significant stride toward fostering an inclusive society, Garissa County Governor Nathif Jama has spearheaded the distribution of wheelchairs to persons living with disabilities (PLWDs), reinforcing his administration’s resolve to uplift the marginalized and ensure that all residents benefit from county development efforts.
The wheelchair handover ceremony, held under the auspices of the Department of Persons Living with Disabilities and Social Protection, was overseen by Chief Officer Omar Mohamed Salat.
The department was created as a cornerstone of Governor Jama’s 2022 election manifesto, signaling a deliberate shift towards institutionalized support for PLWDs.
Governor Jama emphasized that the initiative goes far beyond the provision of physical mobility aids.
“This isn’t just about wheelchairs; it’s about restoring dignity, freedom, and self-worth,” he stated during the event. “My administration remains unwavering in its mission to ensure that no one is left behind in our development agenda.”
Dozens of recipients drawn from various parts of the county received the assistive devices, with the Governor pledging to expand the program in the coming months.
Plans are underway to distribute additional mobility tools, including crutches, hearing aids, and other specialized equipment, aimed at further improving the quality of life for PLWDs.
Among the beneficiaries was 62-year-old Fatuma Abdi, who shared her joy and gratitude: “This wheelchair will change my life. I can finally go to the market and mosque again without having to rely on others. It’s a new beginning for me.”
The wheelchair distribution is part of a broader social protection agenda pursued by the Jama administration.
In addition to supporting PLWDs, the county government has extended assistance to orphanages and children’s homes by supplying essential items such as foodstuffs and water storage tanks.
Regular food distribution programs targeting economically disadvantaged families have also become a hallmark of the county’s welfare approach.
Governor Jama noted that while development often focuses on infrastructure and economic indicators, true progress is measured by the inclusivity of those gains.
“Our commitment to social equity is not just a political promise—it’s a moral obligation. By empowering our most vulnerable residents, we strengthen the very fabric of our society,” he said.
Observers have lauded the Governor’s efforts, viewing them as a model for other devolved units seeking to integrate social protection into mainstream governance.
As Governor Jama’s term progresses, his administration’s focus on inclusivity continues to shape the narrative of county leadership centered on dignity, accessibility, and shared prosperity.
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