KBC News

The Kenya Paraplegic Organization (KPO) will begin the construction of the first ever Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Centre using the Kshs 73 million that has so far been raised in the Bring Zack Home campaign.

The amount was raised by the public and corporate organizations in the first phase of a 60-day campaign which ran from June 9, 2012 to August 7, 2012.

Speaking Saturday during his welcoming ceremony in Bissil town, Kajiado county Zack Kimotho, the face behind the campaign said that despite the challenges faced, it has been a journey of hope and determination to see that Kenya has the much needed hospital.

The ground breaking for the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Centre is slated to take place on September on a 12 acre piece of land purchased by KPO in Kiserian.

He said "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the foundation of all others. I thank everybody who contributed towards the campaign and with your continued support we will be able to complete the centre and help our fellow citizens."

Zack said that the centre is expected to provide quality, affordable and comprehensive health care to around 75,000 persons living with spinal injuries.

He said bad elements of weather, fumes from vehicles, careless drivers along the road, manual wheeling which resulted to tiredness were the main challenges he encountered.

Speaking during the same ceremony, Tim Wanyonyi a member of the Kenyan Paraplegic Organization said that they have taken up the initiative as there is lack of quality and committed care centers in the East African region to cater for spinal injuries.

He said that the facility will be a Kenyan one and affordable fee will be charged for anyone seeking treatment.

"A board of trustees has been set to ensure transparency in managing the raised funds and every shilling will be accounted for," added Wanyonyi.

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