The National Council for People With Disability (NCPWD) coordinator in Kilifi County Mathias Tsuma hands over a national identity card to a PWD at Kakoneni chief’s office in Malindi Sub County, Kilifi County where 158 PWDs were issued with the cards and also registered as voters. Photo by Ben Okweingoti. 
By Ben Okweingoti
A group of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Malindi Sub-County, Kilifi County, has intensified door-to-door campaigns aimed at sensitizing communities on the importance of advocating for the rights and inclusion of PWDs and the elderly in society.
The initiative, spearheaded by Rise Malindi, focuses on identifying and supporting vulnerable individuals—particularly those hidden within rural villages—to acquire essential government documentation such as national identity cards and birth certificates. The group is also assisting in registering beneficiaries under various government support programs, including those targeting internally displaced persons (IDPs), orphans, and the elderly.
Through its recent outreach in Kakoneni, Rise Malindi successfully facilitated the registration of at least 158 residents for national IDs and birth certificates, with 78 of the beneficiaries being persons with disabilities.
During a ceremony held at the Kakoneni Chief’s office to officially hand over the processed documents, beneficiaries were also given an opportunity to register as voters immediately after receiving their identification cards. The exercise was conducted in collaboration with officials from the Department of Registration of Persons and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Speaking during the event, Rise Malindi coordinator Willy Mwangi praised the efforts of the organization, noting that it is entirely run by PWDs who have taken the lead in driving change within their communities.
“Rise Malindi organization, which consists only of PWDs, started this project just a few weeks ago. Today, we are witnessing the fruits of their efforts as over 150 residents have been documented, with some already registered as voters,” he said.
Mwangi also urged parents and guardians to support children living with disabilities by nurturing their potential and giving them equal opportunities.
“Parents should respect their children with disabilities and allow them to explore their talents. Many of them have great potential across diverse fields,” he added.
Marceline Thoya, an officer from the Department of Registration of Persons in Malindi, highlighted the challenges faced by many PWDs who remain hidden due to stigma, thereby missing out on essential services and opportunities.
“Many PWDs suffer in silence because they are hidden from the public. Initiatives like Rise Malindi are crucial in ensuring they are reached and empowered,” she said.
Thoya pointed to cultural beliefs as a significant barrier to full inclusion, citing instances where communities perceive persons with disabilities as outcasts.
“Certain cultural practices, particularly among the Giriama community, have hindered full integration by labeling PWDs as individuals who should not interact with others. This must change,” she emphasized.
Kilifi County National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) Coordinator Mathias Tsuma acknowledged that while Kenya has made progress in enacting laws to protect the rights of PWDs, implementation remains a major challenge.
“We must move beyond legislation and ensure practical inclusion. PWDs should not be viewed as dependents or beggars but as active contributors to society. Initiatives like this demonstrate how inclusion can be achieved,” Tsuma said.
The Rise Malindi initiative continues to gain momentum as it champions dignity, equality, and access to opportunities for persons with disabilities across Kilifi County.
