This archive report was first published on 25 August 2020.
Joseph Rono's story is one of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Born with polio, Rono's journey to success was not an easy one, but he has never let his disability hold him back.
At the age of 10, Rono was diagnosed with polio, but his parents initially believed he had been bewitched or cursed. It wasn't until five years later that he received corrective surgery at the Nyabondo hospital in Nyanza and later at the Eldama Ravine hospital in Baringo County.
Despite the challenges he faced, Rono's thirst for education drove him to pursue his dreams. He enrolled in class one relatively late, at the age of 16, and attended Kapngetuny Primary School in Ainamoi, Kericho County, before dropping out in class seven in 1980.
However, Rono's determination to succeed did not waver. He went back to Kapngetuny and sat the national exam in 1986, earning admission to Kipchimchim Secondary School, where he sat for the high school final exams. He then enrolled at the Industrial Rehabilitation Centre in Nairobi for a diploma in electrical engineering.
Today, Rono is a married man with four children, two of whom have completed university. He is also supporting two of his relatives' children in school. Rono's passion for advocacy has taken him to countries such as the US, the UK, and Niger, where he has worked tirelessly to promote the rights of the physically challenged.
As the immunisation champion in Bomet County and national chairman of the United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK), Rono has made significant contributions to the lives of many. He has been instrumental in increasing enrolment in special schools, including Korara for the visually impaired, Kiriba, Kapkesosio Special Unit for the Visually Impaired, Kipngosos Special Schools for the mentally challenged/Autism, and St Kizito for the hearing impaired.
Rono's message is clear: disability is not a barrier to success. He believes that mission-based institutions have played a crucial role in creating awareness and promoting equal opportunities for all. With the advent of county governments and the legal requirement for employment of those with disabilities, positive changes have been recorded in the country over the past seven years.
