By Virginia Siebella
Machakos County marked this year’s Mother’s Day with a special celebration dedicated to mothers living with disabilities and those raising children with special needs, in an event that highlighted resilience, inclusion, and the urgent need for better support systems.
The event featured free make-up sessions aimed at uplifting the women and boosting their confidence, alongside medical assessments to help participants obtain government-issued disability cards.
Speaking during the event, Naomi Mweu, a mother living with disability, called on women facing similar challenges to remain resilient and continue striving to provide for their families despite physical limitations.
“We must remain strong and work hard for the sake of our children, regardless of the challenges we face,” she said.
Margaret Umazi, who has been raising an epileptic child for the past 31 years, shared the emotional and financial struggles her family endures daily. She noted that the cost of medication, education, and essential supplies such as diapers has placed a heavy burden on the family.
“The expenses are overwhelming and continue to strain our healthcare needs as a family,” she said.
The event was organized by Christine Munyi, founder of Hope for Orphans Rescue Centre (HOREC) in Mutalia, Machakos. Munyi said many parents of children with disabilities lack access to therapy services due to long distances and high costs.
She urged the government to decentralize therapy and disability support services to ensure they are accessible to families in rural communities.
“There are many parents who do not know where to seek help. Therapy services are expensive and often too far away for struggling families,” Munyi noted.
Men also joined the celebrations in solidarity with the mothers. Collins Wasike of Recovery Mission for Life emphasized the need for men to stand with women living with disabilities and those caring for children with special needs.
Joseph Njoroge, who is also living with disability, criticized the high costs associated with acquiring disability cards in Kenya, claiming that some applicants are forced to pay as much as Sh15,000 to obtain the documents.
He called for reforms to make the process affordable and accessible to all persons living with disabilities.
Beauty professional Doris Ongeri, who volunteered free make-up services during the event, appealed to the government to ensure disability programs are fully inclusive by integrating disability support into education, healthcare, and social welfare systems.
She said mothers living with disabilities continue to face significant hardships and deserve greater recognition and support from society.
