By Treezer Michelle Atieno
Children with disabilities are among the most vulnerable populations during crises,
facing significant challenges that exacerbate their existing hardships. These
challenges often include limited access to assistive technologies, inadequate data
representation, and the prohibitive costs associated with disability assessments and
registration.
During humanitarian crises such as floods, these children are frequently sidelined,
leading to further marginalisation and exclusion from essential services.
Kisumu County, which recently experienced catastrophic floods that resulted in the
loss of lives and property, has been particularly affected by these challenges.
In response, the Kisumu County Government, in collaboration with the State
Department for Social Protection, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities
(PWDs), and the Humanitarian Innovative Program funded by Norway with
technical support from UNICEF Kenya, has launched a new initiative aimed at
addressing the specific needs of children with disabilities during emergencies.
The initiative began with a market dialogue held at the Vic Hotel in Kisumu, aimed
at mapping potential partners to provide assistive technologies and developing
agile solutions tailored to the unique needs of children with disabilities.
This program seeks to address critical gaps in data, systems, and solutions that
hinder the inclusion of children with disabilities and their families during crises.
Jerome Ochieng, Kisumu's CECM for Lands, Physical Planning, and Urban
Development, highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting that Kisumu was
chosen to pilot the program due to its recent experiences with flood-related
humanitarian crises.
He emphasised the need for extensive consultations, collaborations, and
unwavering dedication to ensure the program's success.
Furthermore, the Kisumu County Government is developing a tailored Disability Act
and has mandated all gazetted hospitals in the county to offer free registration for
PWDs, further easing access to necessary support services.
UNICEF's representative, Yetneberesh Nigussie Molla, underscored the significance
of including children with disabilities in humanitarian action, particularly in regions
like Kenya and Southern Africa, which are prone to natural disasters.
She called on all stakeholders to dismantle barriers and build bridges that will have
a lasting impact on the lives of millions of children with disabilities.
The Humanitarian Innovative Program in Kisumu County represents a critical step
towards ensuring that children with disabilities receive the support they need
during crises, promoting their inclusion, protection, and well-being in emergency
situations.
