A disability card is an important document for individuals with disabilities in Kenya. It is issued by the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and serves as proof of an individual’s disability status.
Having a disability card opens the door to various benefits and services that can make a huge difference in the lives of persons with disabilities and their families.
In this article, we will show you how to get a disabilty card in kenya and the benefits that come with it.
Process of Getting a Disability Card In Kenya
Step 1: Get a Disability Assessment
The first step in obtaining a disability card is to get a disability assessment report from a government-approved hospital. The report should detail the nature of the disability and must be signed by the Director of Medical Services and have the remarks from AFYA HOUSE LG 29.
Step 2: Register with the Council for Persons with Disabilities.
Once you have the disability assessment report, the next step is to register with the Council for Persons with Disabilities. This can be done by visiting the NCPWD offices or through their website. You will need to provide the following documents:
- Copy of the disability assessment report
- Copy of National Identification Card
- A recent passport-sized photo
Step 3: Interview/Vetting After registering with the NCPWD.
You will be invited for an interview or vetting by a joint panel from NCPWD, KRA, and the Director of Medical Services. This interview aims to verify the information provided in the registration process and to ensure that the applicant meets the criteria for a disability card.
Step 4: Receive the Disability Card
Once the vetting process is complete and the application is approved. The NCPWD will issue a disability card. The card is valid for 5 years and must be renewed at the end of the validity period.
Benefits of a Disability Card In Kenya : Disability Benefits In Kenya
- Tax Exemptions: Holders of a disability card are eligible for income tax exemptions and exemptions on imported vehicles.
- Education Scholarship: Holders of a disability card may be eligible for education scholarships through NCPWD at all education levels.
- Government Subsidies: Holders of a disability card may be eligible for government subsidies to assist with living expenses.
- Priority in Employment: Holders of a disability card are given priority in employment in both the public and private sector.
- Economic Empowerment: Holders of a disability card can benefit from grants to help them become self-sufficient through income-generating activities
- Cash Transfers: NCPWD oversees the Persons with Severe Disabilities Cash Transfer (PWSD-CT) which aims to improve the livelihoods of persons with severe disabilities by providing cash assistance to support their caregivers.
- Access to Assistive Devices: Holders of a disability card can apply for devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids, calipers, surgical boots, and prosthetic arms or legs, provided by NCPWD and its partners.
- Albinism Support: Registered persons with albinism with the NCPWD are provided with a bottle of sunscreen lotion every month at 180 hospitals and health clinics across the country.
- Tax Exemption Certificate: Registering with the NCPWD helps one obtain verification for exemption from paying taxes in Kenya. Under Kenyan laws, persons with disabilities are granted a tax exemption on their monthly or annual income. This exemption applies to the first Ksh150, 000 per month or for the first Ksh1.8 million per year.
It is important to note that these benefits are subject to change and may be updated by the government. Therefore, checking for any updates or changes is recommended before applying for any of these benefits.
Obtaining a disability card opens the door to a wide range of benefits and services that can help improve the lives of persons with disabilities and their families.
It is a small but important step towards ensuring that persons with disabilities have the support they need to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
In conclusion, obtaining a disability card in Kenya is an important step for individuals with disabilities to access various benefits provided by the government.
The process for obtaining a disability card includes getting a disability assessment report, registering with the NCPWD, attending a physical interview/vetting and receiving the disability card.
Holders of a disability card are eligible for income tax exemptions, free medical care, free education, government subsidies, and priority in employment.
