Long wait for Kenya's disabled as red tape slows government aid

Even before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, people with disabilities across Africa faced more healthcare and social needs than the general population. With Africa recording sustained cases of infections, according to the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention, people living with disabilities across Africa are becoming more vulnerable to the effects of the virus.

According to Bernard Mbugua, a Kenyan living with a disability, his tuk tuk rickshaw business collapsed even before the coronavirus pandemic and he was hoping to revive it this year, but the pandemic shattered his plans.

"I used to run a taxi and the tuk tuk, but due to harsh economic times they both got grounded. I used to depend on well-wishers and religious organizations but since the coronavirus restrictions were announced, most churches are closed and we have to look for help elsewhere," Mbugua said.

According to the Census conducted by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics in 2019, Kenya has 918,270 persons aged 5 years and above living with disabilities out of a total population of over 47.5 million people. However, the plans in place by the government only target a fraction of this group and are yet to be rolled out.

"The Kenya National Council for Persons with Disabilities is conducting a national listing exercise targeting 33,333 poor and vulnerable persons with disabilities to benefit from a short-term cash transfer from June to August 2020," said the Kenyan Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.

"This short-term cash transfer aims to cushion persons with disabilities from the negative effects of the coronavirus. Hence it is targeting vulnerable persons with disabilities requiring support in accessing basic needs. The listing exercise was carried out from 1st June to 6th June 2020. This intervention is fully funded by the Government of Kenya," the ministry added.

Mbugua said he has received several donations from individual politicians but the help promised by the government is yet to arrive.

"As people living with disabilities, we always feel like the government considers us last. We have heard that money has been set aside to help the disabled and I even registered through the local chief's office, but so far I have received nothing," Mbugua said.

Naomi Muinda, a mother of two who is living with a disability, said she is hopeful they will get aid but said the wait has been too long.

"I have two children and being disabled and illiterate, I cannot do any meaningful work. I have been depending on passersby who donate something small out of kindness, but since the coronavirus pandemic started, the donations have gone down,"

Like Mbugua, Muinda has received donations from politicians but she wishes the government could fast-track its aid because they need it now the most.

"Since no one can look after my children, I have to come with them to the streets and that puts them at risk of contracting the virus since the streets are crowded. If we get the right assistance from the government, I would not have to depend on passersby and that will help me keep my children safe," Muinda said.

According to Muinda, people with disabilities are facing extra challenges in accessing information about the virus, accessing personal protective equipment and health services.

"As people living with disabilities, we are accustomed to difficulties and we will make it through but this should be an opportunity for the government to give our concerns the priority they deserve," Muinda said.