Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti during the launch of Distribution of Bursary Cheques and Assistive Devices to PWDs on September 30, 2025. Photo by Governor's Press. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Governor Wavinya Ndeti has unveiled a dedicated Machakos County Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Board, a transformative organ tasked with spearheading initiatives to uplift the lives of differently abled persons across the county.
Speaking at Machakos Municipal Hall on Tuesday during the issuance of bursary cheques and distribution of assistive devices, the Governor said the Board will operate under the Department of Gender, Youth, Sports and Social Welfare, with a mandate to manage Table Funds and drive sustainable empowerment programs for PWDs.
“This is not just about words, but about action. We are building an inclusive Machakos, not in theory but in practice,” Governor Ndeti affirmed.
The new Board will oversee resource mobilization, capacity-building, and education support, alongside health and economic empowerment projects for the PWD community. Governor Ndeti emphasized that the body will also ensure transparency and accountability in the management of funds earmarked for PWD welfare.
During the event, the county distributed 74 wheelchairs, 50 white canes, 50 crutches, 36 walking frames, and 50 walking canes to PWDs. The Governor noted that these items symbolize more than aid, describing them as “bridges to independence, mobility, confidence, and self-reliance.”
The county has also ramped up bursary allocations for PWD learners, rising from 176 beneficiaries in 2022/2023 to a record 1,041 in 2024/2025 worth over Kshs. 3.4 million.
Governor Ndeti pledged that her administration would continue to strengthen partnerships across government departments and with stakeholders in health, education, and social welfare to ensure that PWDs are not left behind.
“To our brothers and sisters living with disabilities, you are not invisible. You are not a footnote. You are a priority,” she declared.
The establishment of the Machakos County PWD Board marks a historic milestone in the county’s pursuit of inclusive development and social equity.
