Disabled people in Mandera protest county govt’s failure to fund them for desert race

What you need to know:

  • Mandera disabled team Captain Abdullahi Issack said before the devolution of social services they used to get government support.
  • Mr Issack said the Mandera social services department had said it lacked funds to finance their trip to Isiolo.
  • Social services department chief officer Abdinasir Abdirahaman confirmed to the Nation that there was no budget for the group.
  • The annual desert wheelchair competition brings together disabled people from Isiolo, Marsabit, Wajir, Garissa, Meru and Nairobi counties.

Disabled people in Mandera on Wednesday demonstrated in the town after missing an opportunity to attend a sports competition in Isiolo.

The more than 100 protesters marched on the streets of Mandera Town accusing the county government of failing to sponsor them to attend the desert wheelchair race that started in Isiolo on Wednesday.

“We are here today seeking answers as to why we are not going to Isiolo for sports as usual,” said Abdullahi Issack, the Mandera disabled team vaptain.

He said before social services were devolved, his group always received financial support from the national government without delay.

“This county government system has spoiled everything for us and none of us even gets tenders as stipulated by law,” he said.

NO BUDGET FOR THE TRIP

Mr Issack said the Mandera social services department had said it lacked funds to finance their trip to Isiolo.

“We are told there was no budget for the people living with disabilities by the county government in the 2015/2016 financial year," he said.

“Last year we fought hard to go,” added Mr Issack.

Social services department chief officer Abdinasir Abdirahaman confirmed to the Nation that there was no budget for the group in the current financial year.

“We are not supporting them because we don’t have a budget for persons living with disabilities in Mandera,” said Mr Abdirahman.

The annual desert wheelchair competition brings together disabled people from Isiolo, Marsabit, Wajir, Garissa, Meru and Nairobi counties.