MP pledges to work for people with disabilities

Nominated MP Jackson Kosgei has vowed to address the challenges that people living with disabilities (PWDs) face in Kenya, including getting elusive slots in leadership.

Speaking during a party at Mogotio Town on Saturday, Kosgei regretted that 21 out of Kenya’s 47 county assemblies failed to nominate a single PWD, saying the move went against the spirit of the Constitution.

Noting that PWDs feel aggrieved, Kosgei — who was nominated by the United Democratic Alliance — said there is a need for Parliament to relook the laws and policies on PWDs.

He urged PWDs not to give up on leadership, saying the new administration led by President William Ruto would champion their interests.

“We want to amend the policies and regulations, even on the issue of 5 per cent allocation of job opportunities to PWDs,” he said.

Bishop Kosgei urged leaders and governors to consider PWDs in their administrations, describing this as a moral responsibility.

At the same time, he expressed optimism that the Cabinet that President Ruto unveiled last week is strong enough to deliver the Kenya Kwanza manifesto.

In particular, he singled out Co-operative and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development Cabinet nominee Simon Chelugui.

 Chelugui, who is the current Labour Cabinet Secretary, was only CS that Ruto retained in the President Uhuru Kenyatta’s outgoing regime.

“He (Chelugui) is very competent. He is also reliable and hard working and we thank President Ruto for appointing,” Kosgei said.

Through this appointment, Mr Chelugui holds a key ministry which is expected to deliver the Hustler Fund.