By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 3 December 2025 – Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo has urged persons with disabilities (PWDs) to stop living marginalised and “dejected” lives and instead seize the many employment opportunities, government tenders, interest-free loans, and grants already set aside for them by both the county and national governments.
Speaking during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebrations in Vihiga, Governor Ottichilo expressed dismay that participation by PWDs in these programmes remains extremely low despite their availability.
He urged the community to shift from passive reliance on welfare and actively apply for jobs, bid for tenders, and establish businesses using the available financial support.
To improve planning and service delivery, the Governor directed the Department of Gender, Culture, Youth and Sports to immediately register every person living with disability in Vihiga County.
The resulting comprehensive database, he said, will be linked to the county’s geospatial unit to provide accurate, real-time data on the number, location, and specific needs of PWDs, ensuring evidence-based resource allocation.
The Governor also criticised some individuals with disabilities occupying senior county positions for failing to effectively advocate for their peers.
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He called for stronger, more accountable leadership within the disability community to guarantee that existing policies and opportunities translate into real benefits.
Dr Ottichilo emphasised that interest-free loans and grants specifically targeting PWDs are readily available to promote entrepreneurship.
When combined with skills development, he said, these funds can significantly boost economic independence.
Reiterating his message, the Governor told PWDs that opportunities mean nothing if the intended beneficiaries do not step forward.
“Apply for the jobs, bid for the tenders, and access the funds,” he insisted, adding that genuine change will only come when persons with disabilities proactively claim what has already been provided for them.
