Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Kenya are now encouraged to embrace the convenience of self-registration to obtain Disability Certificates through the eCitizen platform. This initiative aligns with the broader digitisation efforts in government services, offering PWDs an efficient and user-friendly experience. The self-registration functionality, initiated last year, is now fully operational.
PWDs can easily access the eCitizen platform via smart devices and initiate the self-registration process. The prerequisites for registration include possessing the necessary documentation, such as a disability medical assessment report, identification (ID/birth certificate), and a passport-size photo. The application process is facilitated under the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) portal on eCitizen.
Upon completion of the registration, individuals will receive a confirmation SMS and can conveniently download their disability registration certificates directly to their mobile devices. This user-friendly process is cost-free, and PWDs have the option to print the certificate from eCitizen whenever required for accessing services.
Parents and caregivers of minors with disabilities can also leverage the platform for registration, providing a streamlined process for families. Additionally, individuals with disabilities holding previous waiting cards can apply for the certificate, retaining their disability numbers.
The introduction of this online registration mode serves to eliminate the need for physical disability cards and alleviates the requirement to visit county disability offices for registration purposes. To enhance public awareness about this updated registration process, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) will conduct widespread awareness campaigns.
Magdalene Mboke, an officer overseeing people with disabilities in the Nakuru regional office, emphasized the advantages of the eCitizen platform, stating, “Accessing or registering through eCitizen is easier because earlier people used to send us national identity cards, which really took a long time to reach us but right now, once you are registered, we give you something like a waiting card that can be printed on the cyber.”
Significance of Registration for Persons With Disabilities
Registering with the NCPWD holds paramount importance for people with disabilities as it opens avenues for accessing government aid dedicated to improving their living standards. Without registration, individuals with disabilities face challenges in receiving the necessary assistance tailored to their specific needs.
Furthermore, the registration process aids the government, through the NCPWD, in designing targeted programs to address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities based on factors such as the type of disabilities, socio-economic needs, and poverty levels. It also facilitates the allocation of funding specifically earmarked for this group.
The NCPWD outlines a range of benefits accessible to registered individuals through the National Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities. These benefits include acquiring assistive devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids, callipers, surgical boots, and prosthetic arms or legs. Assistive services, such as sign language translation, are also available.
Programs initiated by the NCPWD encompass economic empowerment through grants provided to community and self-help groups. These grants aim to foster self-sufficiency among persons with disabilities, enabling them to generate income and gain the skills needed to access loans for business growth.
The Albinism support program, another facet of NCPWD initiatives, focuses on mitigating the impact of harmful sun rays on persons living with albinism. Products provided under this program include sunscreen lotions, protective clothing, and comprehensive eye care.
The cash transfer program targets persons with severe disabilities, offering financial support to caregivers to ensure full-time care for individuals with disabilities.
Crucial Registration for Comprehensive Planning and Services
The Assistant Director at NCPWD, Andenya, emphasizes the importance of registration at both individual and organizational levels. Individuals seeking registration must present themselves to the District Gender & Social Development Officer, providing essential documentation such as a colored passport-sized photo, a copy of a medical report from a government gazette hospital, and a duly filled individual registration form.
Organizations working with people with disabilities must ensure listing by the NCPWD and provide a copy of certification of registration from a recognised body, such as the government or NGOs. A duly filled organization registration form is also required.
Andenya highlights the collaborative efforts involved in the registration process, with the NCPWD working in partnership with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Social Services department.
