Testimony CBO

27/05/2025

Today, as part of our ongoing project “Fostering Inclusion Through Disability Registration and Advocacy,” we successfully supported community members in registering for National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) disability certificates via the eCitizen platform at our office.

We also facilitated awareness on the importance of obtaining a disability certificate, which is not just a legal document — but a key that unlocks access, recognition, and rights as enshrined in the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025.

Why is the Disability Certificate Important?

According to the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, registered persons with disabilities (PWDs) are entitled to a wide range of protections and services, including:

✍️✍️Access to Government Benefits – Eligibility for cash transfers, therapy support, assistive devices, and bursaries under NCPWD.

✍️✍️Inclusive Education – Special education support, scholarships, and accommodations in schools.

✍️✍️Health Services – Free or subsidized medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive technology.

✍️✍️Employment Rights – Preferential employment opportunities and workplace accommodations.

✍️✍️Legal Recognition and Protection – A disability certificate affirms identity under the law, protecting individuals from discrimination and abuse.

✍️✍️Participation in Development – Enables inclusion in national programs and planning processes.

✍️✍️Empowerment and Representation – Promotes PWD voices in decision-making spaces, as guided by Article 27 of the Constitution and the Act.

Through this effort, we are reinforcing the importance of being formally recognized and counted, ensuring PWDs can access their full rights and opportunities.

Inclusion is not charity. It is justice.

23/05/2025

Day 2 Highlights | Women and Youth Empowerment in the Blue Economy

Today, we continued our engagement in the insightful workshop on Women and Youth Empowerment through Inclusive Markets in the Blue Economy, hosted by Trademark Africa in partnership with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and funded by the Mastercard Foundation.

Our focus was on digital solutions that can address the challenges faced by fishermen and service providers — including the impacts of climate change, disaster unpreparedness, and marine resource degradation.

Participants explored how digital literacy, access to information, and innovative tools can:

✅️Improve disaster early warning systems and preparedness

✅️Promote sustainable marine conservation practices

✅️Enhance access to markets and financial services

✅️Bridge the digital gap for women and youth in the Blue Economy

A key highlight of the day was the introduction of the 'Isoko' platform — a digital marketplace designed specifically for fishermen and service providers. This platform will help connect coastal producers to buyers and reduce exploitation by middlemen, and open up new economic opportunities.

As Testimony CBO, we are proud to be part of these conversations that champion inclusive growth, resilience, and sustainability for coastal communities.

23/05/2025

Yesterday Testimony CBO were honored to participate in the Textile and Apparel Sector Stakeholders Roundtable hosted by Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) in collaboration with GIZ Kenya and Generation Kenya. The engagement focused on strengthening skills development through Dual TVET collaboration in the Kenya Coast region.

The textile and apparel industry is a key priority area under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and Kenya Vision 2030, representing a vital pathway to job creation and economic empowerment.

The roundtable provided a crucial platform for stakeholders to:

Align training curriculums with evolving industry needs

Scale up apprenticeship and on-the-job training opportunities

Forge sustainable partnerships that enhance workforce development

Strengthen sector competence for long-term impact

At Testimony Community-Based Organization, we remain committed to advancing inclusive skills development for marginalized communities, including youth and persons with disabilities, ensuring no one is left behind in the journey toward economic transformation.

22/05/2025

Today, Testimony CBO proudly participated in Day 1 of a transformative workshop on Women and Youth Empowerment through Inclusive Markets in the Blue Economy, hosted by Trademark Africa and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), and funded by Mastercard Foundation.

The session highlighted the pressing challenges facing fishermen and service providers in our coastal communities — including climate change, gender-based violence (GBV), environmental pollution, and a significant lack of awareness and preparedness for disasters such as storms, flooding, and ocean surges.

These challenges not only affect livelihoods but also compromise safety, sustainability, and inclusion — especially for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

At Testimony CBO, we remain committed to building community resilience and promoting inclusive and sustainable solutions for a thriving Blue Economy.

08/05/2025

Day 2 Highlights | National Workshop on Localised Early Warning Mechanisms
The Q&A session sparked powerful and insightful conversations! Participants raised critical questions around coordination, sustainability, and community ownership of early warning systems.

Experts responded with clarity—sharing best practices and stressing the need for inclusive, locally driven approaches to build stronger community resilience. The energy in the room reflected a shared commitment to transforming early warning into early action.

08/05/2025

07/05/2025

Day 2 morning session of the National Workshop on Localised Early Warning Mechanisms is underway!

Participants have dived into group discussions, collaboratively developing practical, community-driven solutions to the challenges of localising early warning systems. Stay tuned for more insights and highlights as the day unfolds!

06/05/2025

We are participating in a Press Briefing on the Localization of Early Warning Systems to enhance disaster preparedness and ensure timely, inclusive response for all communities.

06/05/2025

Testimony CBO is honored to participate in the National Workshop on Localised Early Warning Mechanisms, currently taking place in Nairobi, Kenya. Convened by TINADA Youth Action Africa in partnership with the Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), the workshop brings together civil society actors across the country to explore how localized Early Warning Systems (EWS) can better serve communities in times of crisis.

For us at Testimony CBO this learning space is especially timely and relevant. Persons with disabilities are among the most affected yet often the least considered in disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts. As we strengthen our interventions in climate resilience and disaster preparedness, we are more committed than ever to ensuring that Early Warning Systems are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all—especially those with disabilities.

01/05/2025

Yesterday in partnership with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), we proudly celebrated a major milestone—all students with disabilities under our program received full sponsorships to support their education. This includes not just bursary checks, but comprehensive coverage to ensure they return to school fully equipped and supported.

A big thank you to NCPWD for walking this journey with us and for their unwavering commitment to inclusive education. Together, we are breaking barriers and building a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive!