In picture, The 6th Inclusive Africa Conference that kicked off in Nairobi, orchestrated by inABLE.
By Aoma Keziah
Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, William Kabogo, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to making the more than 33,000 government services that are already digitised on Ecitizen fully accessible online for persons with disabilities, during the Official opening of the 6th Inclusive Africa Conference in Nairobi.
“We are determined to equip at least 20 million Kenyans with digital literacy skills by 2027, including individuals who are blind, deaf, or living with mobility, cognitive, or learning disabilities. Digital accessibility is not a luxury, it is a right and an essential pillar of our national development,” he stated.
The Ministry will partner with innovators, leading global technology companies, and organisations representing persons with disabilities to drive forward Kenya’s digital accessibility agenda. Central to this effort is the implementation of the accessibility standard for digital Products, which is already transforming how organisations design and deliver digital services.
Principal Secretary of the State Department for Social Services and Senior Citizen Affairs, Joseph Motari, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to accelerating progress toward universal digital inclusion.
“Our priority is not only to bridge the remaining gaps in both physical and digital infrastructure, but also to leverage emerging technologies and cutting-edge assistive innovations. Through these efforts, we aim to empower persons with disabilities in Kenya to lead independent, productive, and dignified lives, fully participating in every aspect of our society,” he remarked.
Isaac Mwaura, the Government Spokesperson, affirmed Kenya’s position as one of Africa’s most progressive nations in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities.
“The 2010 Constitution guarantees their rights and ensures access to employment and government procurement opportunities. To further promote inclusion, my office will soon launch an Inclusive communications Program to make government communications fully accessible and responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities,” he explained.
Irene Mbari-Kirika, Founder and Executive Director of inABLE, the organisers of the conference, emphasised that digital accessibility is not a one-time fix, but an ongoing, evolving process that must be embedded from the outset and throughout every stage of the product development cycle.
“I call on developers and owners of digital products and services to prioritise accessibility as an integral part of design and innovation, ensuring that no person with a disability is left behind in the digital age,” she remarked.
Director of Strategic Partnerships & Innovation at the Mastercard Foundation, Dina Randrianasolo, emphasised that digital accessibility is fundamental to education, employment, and the full participation of young people across Africa, underscoring the urgent need to accelerate digital inclusion efforts.
“More than 135 million people on the continent require assistive technologies ranging from screen readers and mobility aids to hearing devices and accessible software yet only 3% currently have access,” she noted.
The 3-day Inclusive Africa Conference is dedicated to advancing digital inclusion for persons with disabilities, with a strong emphasis on making financial services, education, skills development, employment, brand communication, and transportation more accessible. It also explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence as a catalyst for inclusive innovation.
Also, the event aims to bring together key stakeholders including government, industry, and civil society to collaboratively develop a joint roadmap for the accelerated implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, with digital inclusion at its core.
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