By Obegi Malack
Forum for Women in Development, Democracy and Justice held public education forums Kajiado West, Kajiado Central and Kajiado North Sub Counties to educate local residents of the county on their Constitutional rights to access economic opportunities, better living conditions and improved service delivery from the local government. Citizens were educated on different articles of the constitution including the bill of rights.
The FODDAJ 10 civic educators and in collaboration with local theatre groups such as Full House Arts and Osupuko Drama and Arts groups different grassroots groups were educated and informed on public civic actions designed to ensure that all citizen groups voices are heard .The constitution details that the groups ; shall participate and are represented in governance and other spheres of life; are provided equal opportunities in educational and economic fields; are provided special opportunities for access to employment; health education, develop their cultural values, languages and practices; and have reasonable access to water, health services and infrastructure.
On matters of Persons with disabilities the constitution details that ; A person with any disability is entitled; to be treated with dignity and respect and to be addressed and referred to in a manner that is not demeaning; to access educational institutions and facilities for persons with disabilities that are integrated into society to the extent compatible with the interests of the person; to reasonable access to all places, public transport and information; to use Sign language, Braille or other appropriate means of communication; and to access materials and devices to overcome constraints arising from the person’s disability. The State shall ensure the progressive implementation of the principle that at least five percent of the members of the public in elective and appointive bodies are persons with disabilities.
Youths were also taken through constitution Article 55 , that details Bill of Rights , The State shall take measures, including affirmative action programmes, to ensure that the youth–access relevant education and training; have opportunities to associate, be represented and participate in political, social, economic and other spheres of life; access employment; and are protected from harmful cultural practices and exploitation.
Through funding from URAIA TRUST FODDAJ is carrying out the program “Rooting Democracy in Kenya through informed citizenry” in Kajiado County