Garissa Gubernatorial aspirant Mohamed Shidiye has launched a fierce campaign demanding equitable access to essential services and employment opportunities for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) across the county.

Speaking to energized crowds in Lagdera constituency, Shidiye outlined a transformative vision aimed at tearing down the systemic barriers that have historically marginalized vulnerable populations in Northern Kenya.

A society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable. In Garissa, where harsh climatic conditions and severe resource deficits already stretch local resilience to the limit, the neglect of PWDs represents a critical failure of governance. Shidiye's manifesto shifts the political narrative from mere rhetoric to actionable human rights enforcement, promising a holistic, inclusive developmental model for 2027.

Dismantling Fifteen Years of Devolution Failure

Despite fifteen years of the devolved system of governance, Shidiye highlighted a glaring disconnect between allocated county funds and grassroots impact. He noted that essential infrastructure for mobility, specialized healthcare, and targeted economic empowerment programs for PWDs remain virtually non-existent in the region. The former Lagdera lawmaker and Ambassador to Botswana argued that the county's massive population of over one million lacks the fundamental social safety nets required for a just society.

To rectify this, his administrative blueprint targets the root causes of systemic poverty through aggressive policy reform. "Poverty eradication is at the heart of my vision," Shidiye asserted, emphasizing that specialized assistance for the disabled must be hardwired into the county budget, rather than treated as a peripheral charity.

A Blueprint for Total Inclusion

Shidiye’s strategy involves collaboration with national agencies such as the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to streamline service delivery. His actionable steps include:

• Healthcare Integration: Establishing dedicated therapy centers and ensuring constant supply of essential drugs at local dispensaries.
• Economic Empowerment: Creating a business-friendly environment that guarantees youth, women, and PWDs have priority access to affordable business loans.
• Infrastructural Access: Mandating that all new county construction projects, from hospitals to government offices, are strictly wheel-chair accessible and compliant with disability laws.

The Urgency of Water and Climate Action

The plight of PWDs in Garissa is severely compounded by the ongoing climate crisis. As rural-urban migration accelerates due to recurring droughts, disabled individuals are disproportionately affected by the scarcity of clean water. Shidiye has vowed to be the "first person to offer reliable water to Garissa town," viewing infrastructural development as an intersectional issue that directly dictates the quality of life for marginalized communities.

"Together, we will build a Garissa that stands as a beacon of hope, prosperity, and progress for all," Shidiye declared, signaling a radical departure from the status quo.