Government Renews Push for Full Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
The Mt Kenya Times By Aoma Keziah,
Kenya marked this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a renewed call to build a society where every citizen can take part in national life without barriers.
Speaking during the celebrations at the Kenya Society for the Blind in Nairobi, Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura said the day’s theme which focuses on creating environments that support inclusion and social advancement, mirrors what the Constitution demands, equal treatment and respect for all.
“The new Persons with Disabilities Act, enacted earlier this year, gives legal weight to Kenya’s commitments under international human rights agreements and strengthens ongoing work to ensure that people with disabilities can take part in the country’s social and economic life,” he stated
He highlighted several programmes that are already touching households saying that more than 50,000 families are receiving support under the Inua Jamii cash transfer for persons with severe disabilities, including those living with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other developmental challenges.
“ The efforts to grow small enterprises are being shaped in ways that allow persons with disabilities to tap into the same opportunities as everyone else, including access to the Hustler Fund and business advisory services,” stated Mwaura.
He singled out the NYOTA programme, which recently raised the age limit for young persons with disabilities to 35 to ensure they do not miss out on training and funding opportunities. By doing this, he said, the government hopes to close long-standing gaps and support growth that stretches across generations. So far, more than 820,000 young people have joined the programme.
On rights and accessibility, Mwaura said the government has completed the 2024 National Policy on Persons with Disabilities and tightened coordination among ministries, counties and organisations that represent persons with disabilities.
“ This network, is key to ensuring that policy decisions translate to real change on the ground. County-level disability champions are already being trained, and new community-based inclusion guidelines are being rolled out to help families get support closer to home instead of relying on institutions,” he explained.
The government spokesperson also acknowledged the ongoing work of political parties, civil society and community groups that are helping persons with disabilities take part more actively in elections and public affairs. He said these efforts show that building a better country is a joint task, not something that rests with one institution alone. Recent steps by political organisations to widen representation for persons with disabilities were described as a positive indication of a maturing democracy.
He further pointed to improvements made under the government’s three-year inclusion scorecard, especially in health and education. Community-based rehabilitation, access to assistive devices and disability-responsive services in public health facilities have been strengthened.
“ Learning materials and infrastructure in schools such as Thika Primary School for the Blind and Thika High School for the Blind have also been upgraded. The latter recently received a 20-million-shilling boost for its facilities,” he continued to say.
Attended by persons with different disabilities, caregivers, advocacy groups and officials came together to reflect on the country’s progress, the government spokesperson explained to them that progress will only be meaningful if persons with disabilities are consistently involved in shaping the policies and services designed for them.
“The day’s observance, serves as a reminder that inclusion is not a one-day conversation, but an ongoing commitment that must be renewed across all sectors of society,” he concluded.
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Helb at the crossroads: As government promises more funding, students fear an uncertain tomorrow
- Mt Kenya Times ePAPER July 16, 2026
- Political goonism is becoming a national security threat
- Imenti North MP defends development record, urges support for Kinoru projects
- Flipping the rulebook: Women thriving in careers once reserved for men
About the Author
