Ambitious plan targets children and youth with disabilities across seven sub-counties as County pledges fast-tracked MOU
By Samson Wire
Siaya County is poised for a major leap in disability inclusion after hosting Cheshire Disability Services Kenya for a high-level courtesy call that could reshape rehabilitation, inclusive education and economic empowerment for children and youth living with disabilities.
The delegation, led by Cheshire Disability Services Kenya CEO Cecilia Mutava, was received by County Secretary and Head of County Public Service Joseph Ogutu on behalf of Governor James Orengo and Chief Officer for Sports, Gender and Social Services Judith Oyugi.
The visit signals the beginning of a strategic collaboration anchored on the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) model, a nationwide initiative currently targeting 12 counties including Siaya, Nairobi, Kisumu, Kakamega, Bungoma, Isiolo, Murang’a, Kitui, Makueni, Nakuru and Trans Nzoia.
Game-Changing Plan for Children and Youth with Disabilities
At the heart of the proposed partnership is a comprehensive annual program aimed at supporting children and youth aged 0–26 years through health-based rehabilitation, inclusive education, livelihoods development, welfare improvement and policy empowerment.
If implemented, the action plan will include:
Training of ECD teachers on special needs education
Equipping children with disabilities with essential life skills and knowledge
Upgrading facilities with ramps, accessible walkways and safety enhancements
Retrofitting ECD classrooms to support learners with disabilities
Welfare improvement initiatives for affected families
Policy development to entrench disability inclusion
Cheshire Kenya also plans to champion the introduction of a Disability Bill at the Siaya County Assembly, paving the way for a fully functional county disability law aligned with national standards.
In addition, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) are expected to undergo specialized training to strengthen legislation, oversight and implementation of disability-focused policies.
A feasibility assessment will determine the rollout scope across Siaya’s seven sub-counties, ensuring the initiative reaches grassroots communities.
Orengo Administration Signals Full Support
Speaking during the courtesy call, County Secretary Joseph Ogutu underscored Governor James Orengo’s unwavering commitment to inclusion and rights-based governance.
“The Governor remains fully supportive of initiatives that entrench disability and gender inclusion within our integrated county development frameworks,” Ogutu said.
He emphasized the Nyalore administration’s readiness to review and fast-track the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) once the proposal template is formally submitted.
“As a county government, we demonstrate unreserved willingness to review the MOU contents and expedite the signing process,” he added.
Strong County Networks to Drive Implementation
Ogutu highlighted key county structures that will be instrumental in driving the partnership forward, including:
A network of 200 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) deployed across seven sub-counties and three municipalities
A wide distribution of health facilities capable of accommodating persons with disabilities
Dedicated healthcare workers embedded at grassroots level
Ongoing construction of model ECD centres, some equipped with special learning tools for children with disabilities
Administrative support from the Department of Gender and Social Services
These existing systems, he noted, provide a strong foundation for scaling disability-focused interventions countywide.
Disability Inclusion at the Core of Siaya’s Strategic Plan
The Orengo administration has already demonstrated commitment to disability inclusion through deliberate policy and leadership actions. Governor Orengo nominated a Member of County Assembly from the disability spectrum and continues to support vulnerable institutions such as Rangala Orphanage through the Department of Trade and Enterprise.
County officials say the proposed collaboration with Cheshire Disability Services Kenya aligns seamlessly with Siaya’s long-term development blueprint, which places children, youth and persons with disabilities at the centre of sustainable growth.
If formalized, the partnership could position Siaya as a model county in disability-inclusive governance, setting a precedent for others across Kenya.
As discussions move toward an MOU signing, stakeholders are watching closely — because for hundreds of children and youth living with disabilities, this could mark the beginning of transformative change.
