Financial Assistance Programs for Persons with Disabilities in Kenya

In Kenya, empowering persons with disabilities has become a key focus for both government and non-state actors. A range of financial assistance programs has been established to improve economic independence, promote social inclusion, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. These programs provide essential resources, training, and support, helping to remove barriers that often limit access to education, employment, and entrepreneurship. This article delves into the major initiatives, the benefits they offer, and considerations for future approaches like Universal Basic Income (UBI) in response to rapid technological advancements.

National Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities (NDFPWD)

The National Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities (NDFPWD) was introduced under the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2003. It provides financial assistance in education, economic empowerment, and access to assistive devices. Managed by the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), the fund tackles barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from fully participating in society, particularly in the fields of education and employment.

Through scholarships, the NDFPWD enables individuals to gain the skills necessary for employment, while grants empower groups of persons with disabilities to start small businesses. Additionally, the provision of assistive devices helps improve mobility and access to services, significantly enhancing the lives of beneficiaries.

Cash Transfer Program for Persons with Severe Disabilities (PWSD-CT)

The Cash Transfer Program for Persons with Severe Disabilities (PWSD-CT) is a critical part of Kenya’s National Safety Net Program. This initiative offers financial support to households that care for individuals with severe disabilities, aligning with the Social Protection Policy that seeks to alleviate poverty among vulnerable populations.

Many caregivers of persons with severe disabilities face financial challenges due to their inability to work full-time. The PWSD-CT provides these families with a monthly cash transfer of KES 2,000, helping to cover essential living expenses such as food and healthcare. This financial relief allows caregivers to focus on providing care without the added pressure of economic instability.

National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK)

The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) operates under the Trustees (Perpetual Succession) Act. It aims to empower persons with disabilities by addressing socioeconomic disparities and offering financial assistance to improve livelihoods. The fund receives its financing through government grants, rental income, and donations.

Programs like the Tools of Trade initiative supply income-generating tools to persons with disabilities, enabling them to establish businesses based on their skills. This support fosters not only economic independence but also community engagement, encouraging participation in local economies.

Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) Program

The Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) Program was created to empower marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities, through preferential access to government procurement contracts. The initiative stems from the Public Procurement and Disposal Act, which mandates inclusivity in government contracts.

Persons with disabilities often encounter obstacles when attempting to access business opportunities within government procurement. The AGPO program helps address these barriers, giving entrepreneurs with disabilities a fair chance to compete for contracts. This increased visibility in the marketplace allows them to generate sustainable income, thereby contributing to a more inclusive economy.

InBusiness Program

The InBusiness Program is a prominent non-governmental initiative funded by the UK government and implemented by Light for the World in partnership with organizations such as Humanity & Inclusion and the United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK). The program seeks to empower micro-entrepreneurs with disabilities by providing them with essential business skills and resources. Since its inception, over 600 micro-entrepreneurs have benefited from its support.

Participants undergo comprehensive business skills training, receive one-on-one follow-up sessions tailored to their specific needs, and are provided with business growth kits to enhance their enterprises. These kits often include tools and assistive products necessary for their trade. The program also links entrepreneurs to public-private partnerships, helping them access procurement opportunities, and advocates for inclusive business practices within these partnerships.

Global Labour Program (GLP)

The Global Labour Program (GLP), led by Sight Savers International in collaboration with UDPK and private sector players like East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL), promotes economic empowerment and inclusion for persons with disabilities. This program focuses on skills development, particularly within the agricultural sector, which plays a crucial role in Kenya’s economy.

Through GLP, farmers living with disabilities receive training to enhance their technical skills, enabling them to participate more meaningfully in agricultural value chains. In addition to skills training, the program advocates disability rights within labor markets, encouraging inclusive hiring practices among employers. The GLP thus contributes to the broader goal of economic integration for persons with disabilities.

Future Considerations: Universal Basic Income (UBI) and Technological Advancements

As conversations around Universal Basic Income (UBI) gain momentum globally, its potential implementation in Kenya could have a significant impact on persons with disabilities. UBI seeks to provide citizens with regular, unconditional financial support as a safety net considering increasing automation and technological changes. However, its design and implementation will need to consider the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities.

Individuals with disabilities often incur additional costs related to healthcare and assistive devices, which must be factored into any UBI model. Policymakers will also need to address potential systemic inequalities to ensure that persons with disabilities are not further marginalized. Furthermore, as technology continues to evolve, there will be a growing need for adaptive measures that help persons with disabilities access new job opportunities created by these advancements. Specialized training programs focused on equipping them with the skills necessary for emerging sectors will be critical in navigating this changing landscape.

Conclusion

Kenya’s government and non-state actors have made notable progress in empowering persons with disabilities through various financial assistance programs. These initiatives aim to promote economic independence, foster social inclusion, and provide individuals with the tools necessary for fulfilling life. As technology continues to reshape the economy, future initiatives like UBI and inclusive skills training programs will be vital to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind. Ensuring their inclusion in all aspects of Kenya’s economic development will enable the country to build a more equitable and inclusive society for everyone.

Article by: Brian Ndiritu