Abel Korir, a Kenyan man hailing from Trans Nzoia County, has sent a heartfelt plea to the newly inaugurated Deputy President Abraham Kithure Kindiki seeking employment after years of unsuccessful applications following a tragic accident.
Korir, who is confined to a wheelchair following a car accident four years ago, told Kenyans.co.ke that efforts to secure employment positions in both government and private firms had been fruitless despite having the necessary qualifications and work experience.
Motivated by Kindiki’s new position as the second-in-command in the country, Korir took to social media to communicate his request by posting a picture holding a placard with a clear message to the deputy president.
“To Deputy President Honourable Kindiki. On behalf of People Living With Disabilities, kindly consider me to work in your office. I am a degree holder in Bachelor of Business Management. Also, I have done CPA. Reach 0704888522,” the banner read.
A photo of Abel Korir holding a banner with his plea to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Photo
Abel Korir
He graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Business Management (Finance option) from the University of Kabianga, then briefly worked with the Chinese corporation that helped bring the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to life. In his one-year tenure at the job, Korir worked in the Human Resource Management and payroll departments before finally scoring a job as an accountant in a private firm.
Korir held the job until his accident four years ago abruptly stalled his career. The vehicle he was traveling in veered off the road and crashed, and in a split second his life changed forever.
After spending two months in the hospital, Korir was discharged, this time confined to a wheelchair and with a hefty amount of medication he had to take daily for two years.
Adapting to his new life inevitably proved tough for Korir and the constant medication did not help his situation. Instead, he slowly fell into depression as he struggled to integrate back into his old life.
Korir, who had been a breadwinner for his family up until that point ultimately lost his job at the private firm by being replaced after missing work for the two years he was under treatment. However, he does not blame his employer as he admits the accident put him in a very dark place.
“Honestly I don’t blame my employer. You know terms in private firms are different and the accident really put me in a very bad place,” Korir told Kenyans.co.ke.
Despite his fervent plea to the deputy president, Korir has yet to receive a job offer or a response from his office. He hopes Professor Kindiki champions the needs of People Living With Disabilities (PWDs) in his capacity as the deputy president.
Since his appeal went viral, however, Korir has received several phone calls from both well-meaning strangers and cons in equal measure. Among those who have reached out to him are prospective employers asking for his CV and qualifications.
As for Korir, he is open to any job opportunities available for him, even if not necessarily in the deputy president’s office.
His struggle mirrors several other differently-abled individuals who often face discrimination from the workforce. Even though most of their disabilities would not hinder their abilities to perform their duties, they continue to be overlooked despite having laws in place to protect them as well as representatives in the National Government.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki speaking on Monday, November 4, 2024. PHOTO/ Courtesy
