BY SHADRACK NYAKOE
The Visually Impaired people and the Blind want Parliament to compel the Ministry of Transport to come up with Audio Traffic Signals.
During the Celebrations to mark the White Cane day last week, chairperson Board of Directors, National Council of People with Disabilities Peter Muchiri said the concerns of the Blind and Visually Impaired Kenyans have not been factored in while constructing roads.
He also said Matatu owners and operators are less concerned about the Visually Impaired passengers.
Several Civil Society Organizations working for the Blind have also petitioned a number of government agencies in the Transport Sector.
The petition highlighted challenges the persons with Visual Impairment face when accessing services in the transport sector.
Apart from lack of Audio Traffic signal for the Blind, low level awareness by motorists on the significance of using the white cane by the Blind when crossing roads and disregard of traffic rules by motorists were cited as some of the challenges.
ODM Nominated MP Denitah Ghati who represents people with disability said she will move the petition to the National Assembly.
It is estimated that at least 1 million people are visually impaired in Kenya.
The celebration theme was ‘Niwezeshe na White cane’ which they demonstrated its significance in empowering them to be self-reliant.
The day is marked to sensitize the public on the role and significance of the White Cane.
The Board Chair Peter Muchiri said the White Cane is a symbol of safety, independence and respect.
“Every year the Council provides various assistive devices to persons with disabilities including wheelchairs, crutches, white canes, hearing aids among others,” Muchiri said.
He added that in the last four years the Council has provided 991 white canes to the Visually Impaired.
This year, 100 White canes were given to the Visually Impaired in Nairobi County.