This archive report was first published on 22 July 2019.
On July 22, 2019, Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi issued an order directing the arrest of all beggars and their accomplices in the county.
The governor accused some individuals of exploiting people living with disabilities (PWDs) by bringing them onto the streets to beg.
"All the people who bring in beggars to the streets should be arrested together with the beggars," Governor Murungi stated.
However, the governor urged the beggars, who are mostly PWDs, to enroll in a newly launched Sacco aimed at making them self-reliant.
The Sacco, which has been established with a Ksh15 million allocation, will provide skills training and financial support to its members.
Of the allocated funds, Ksh10 million will be saved in the Sacco, while the remainder will be used to train the members in different fields.
Deputy Governor Titus Ntuchiu echoed the governor's sentiments, urging Sacco leaders to come up with strategies to empower PWDs.
