The Government has moved in to stop cartels who were swindling money meant for people with physical challenges donated by Mombasa cement limited in Kilifi County.
Some of the cartels were reportedly purporting to be seeking donations to help people living with disabilities but the support never reached them.
To address the problem Malindi Deputy County Commissioner Thuo Ngugi said they were now taking details of all people living with disabilities including their passport photos, their PWD membership cards, and a letter from their chief confirming their names, location and if indeed they are physically challenged so that any donation goes directly to them.
Speaking in at Migingo area in Malindi during the launch of the program Ngugi said the cement production company has been spending millions to support the PWDs but some of the funds were not reaching out to the real beneficiaries.
“To streamline this program and prevent cartels, you know cartels are everywhere we thought it better to set up strategies aimed at ensuring the beneficiaries get the donations,” he said.
He said Mombasa cement has been receiving people claiming to be seeking help for PWDs yet they do not exist.
Further, Ngugi called on residents to maintain peace during the electioneering period and cautioned the youth against being used by politicians to instigate violence.
“On the elections day we urge Wananchi to ensure they go and vote and go back home to wait for the results, there are people who are there to protect the votes, we have police, IEBC, and all government agencies who are involved in the process,” he said.
Grace Dzombo who is the coordinator of People Living with Disabilities working for CBEM Arica said many PWDs are suffering because of the hard economic times.
However, she said Mombasa cement has been very supportive of them and urged politicians not to politicize the program which could make the company stop their support.
“We thank Mombasa cement they have been very supportive to use people living with disabilities for a long time, now we are happy because the donor has visited Malindi,” she said.
Dzombo also urged the government and donors to build a dispensary in Migingo area so as to enable the people living with disabilities to get access to health easily as currently they are forced to go for long-distance.
Imitaz Sayani who is the head of humanitarian at Mombasa Cement limited said each year they spend more than Sh. 48 million to support PWDs in Kilifi County alone.
He said they came up with the new regulations so as to ensure the PWDs benefit directly as opposed to giving through other parties.
Sayani called on politicians to campaign and tell people what they will do for them and stop using the name of the company in their quest to look for votes.
“We work with the government and shall work with the government that will be elected, we are not partisan in the campaign we have been here helping the disabled for many years and will continue helping them,” he said.
He said in the program every beneficiary gets Sh. 1000 per month which is given after every six months.
Sayani said the request for a dispensary will be taken to the owner of Mombasa cement and hopefully, he will decide.
Among the people with disabilities who spoke to journalists revealed that life has been very tough and called on the Mombasa cement to continue supporting them together with other well-wishers and donors.