WOMAN TO WOMAN: Championing disability issues is my life's goal

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am an Ivy League graduate of Columbia University in New York City, USA, and currently working in Kenya's 12th Parliament. I seek to make life beautiful for people with disabilities in Kenya. I am the founder of Dennitah Ghati Disability Foundation, a non-profit charitable foundation that seeks to empower people with disabilities.

How has life been after the accident?

Life has slowly returned to near normal. It was hectic immediately after the accident. I was in denial. I lost friends and close people, but with time life has almost come back to normal. I live like there's no tomorrow, taking it as easy, relaxing and exciting as it comes. I lost weight after the accident, but I slowly reclaimed my life.

What has changed?

I have had to learn adjustment tips; survival tactics. I am God sent, a disability champion. I have been privileged to live two lives; one without disability and one with disability.
I have quickly learnt to adjust to my new state.

How do you manage to handle your errands?

I am very active. I go about life as normally as I can. I also have a network of great friends, including an understanding partner who makes it as easy for me as possible. I do a lot of travelling, both locally and internationally, with my partner and friends. We do local tourism most of our free time.

Did the accident affect your love life?

Initially, yes … but I quickly picked myself up. I understood. Of course it is expected; but I'm in an extremely long-term partnership … and it's all 'Wow'.

As a nominated Member of Parliament and a representative of people with disabilities (PWDs), what are the challenges you face?

First, lack of a kitty. I am an annoyed MP representing PWDs — a constituency on its own, but one where there are no funds like Constituency Development Fund or National Government Affirmative Action Fund to run it. So I do a lot of networking to finance my programmes.

Accessibility is a challenge for me, as an MP, just like it is for my constituents. Most structures that I could access when I did not have a disability, I now cannot. Hotels, public spaces, buildings and many others. That's why I focus my time on campaigns to enhance accessibility for PWDs.

In Parliament, I launched a programme with fellow MPs called: #Right to accessibility #Right to be served. It is a call to ensuree offices have ramps and accessibility structures for PWDs. It has gained a lot of support.

When I was the Migori County Woman Rep, I constructed a ramp for use by PWDs to access my office. I also purchased 150 wheelchairs, which were distributed early this year through my office. I ensured every PWD in the county had a wheelchair.

What do you enjoy doing during your free time?

I am an adventure seeker, learning new places and things. I enjoy music, I am a country girl. I also contribute to charity and run my foundation. Spending time with my daughter is also extremely humbling.

What is it that you loved doing before the accident, but now can't?

I really miss swimming. Before, I would set aside Saturdays as my day out with my daughter and friends, but now I have had to tone down. I also trimmed down on regular visits to friends to concentrate on my healing process.

Challenges you face, and regrets?

I have no regrets at all. Everything happens for a reason. I am careful on the choice of people around me, though I give as much as I receive. I live a positive life.

Take us through your normal day.

It starts at 6am with a prayer. I then prepare my daughter for school and afterwards read the newspapers as I take breakfast. By 8am, I am on the road from my residence to Parliament. I usually leave Parliament by 7pm. I also regularly visit my home county and other counties, especially during disability-related assignments.

Tell us about your family

I have a nine-year-old princess. She is an amazing little thing that keeps me grounded. She is in Grade 3. I am a mother of one.

Any advice to girls who want to be politicians?

Politics is not for the faint hearted. Wake up early and start smelling the coffee. Find mentors. Contribute to community or society. Always go to your rural homes. Mingle with the people. Get opportunities to lead from schools, never get discouraged. Discard cultures that put you down. If you can dream it, you can live it. Put God above everything else.

If you were not a politician, what would you be doing?

I would be a diplomat. I have the relevant training and I am well exposed, having studied, lived and worked internationally.

Do you think the society is fair to people with disabilities?
Society is yet to embrace the concept of PWDs. But we are fair as a country. Kenya is fair. I have traversed Africa and we need to thank President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The PWDs Bill he signed recently is good. Kenya has many treaties in regard to PWDs. What we need is political goodwill. We need to work with political parties to mainstream disability in their programmes. Also, funding needs to be provided to disability programmes.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

As a champion of disability issues both locally and internationally. The zeal and zest are there. So help me God.

Parting Shot

We have to be extremely intentional in addressing disability issues. We have to move beyond treaty signing into action.