PWDs Unveil 10-Point Political Agenda Ahead of 2027 Elections, Demand Greater Representation and Inclusion, representatives of the disability community
By Bruno Aero Staff Journal,
Nairobi, Kenya, June 3, 2026
Calling for sweeping reforms to enhance political representation, economic empowerment, accessibility, and social inclusion.
Speaking during the launch of a flagship democracy and inclusion programme at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) in Nairobi, representatives of the disability community said the initiative seeks to ensure that no Kenyan is left behind in governance and development.
The leaders noted that despite constitutional guarantees and years of advocacy, persons with disabilities continue to face significant barriers in political and civic participation. They cited inaccessible polling stations, inadequate civic education materials in accessible formats, communication challenges, and persistent societal stigma as some of the obstacles that continue to lock PWDs out of leadership and decision-making spaces.
The disability movement emphasized that the 2010 Constitution provides a strong legal foundation for equality and inclusion through Articles 27, 54, 99, and 100, which guarantee non-discrimination, dignity, education, communication, and political participation for persons with disabilities. However, they argued that many of these constitutional provisions remain inadequately implemented.
"We demand the full implementation of all constitutional provisions relating to the rights and fundamental freedoms of Persons with Disabilities," the leaders stated.
The group also called for the complete implementation of the Kenya Kwanza Disability Economic Charter, describing it as a product of extensive consultations involving PWDs and disability organizations across the country. While acknowledging the charter's significance, they expressed concern that many of its commitments have yet to be realized and urged the government to integrate its implementation into the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Economic empowerment featured prominently in the agenda, with disability advocates demanding greater inclusion in national development programmes.
They called for accessible infrastructure, free assistive devices and services, improved public transport systems, and disability-friendly public spaces.
The leaders further stressed the need to unlock the economic potential of persons with disabilities through entrepreneurship training, business development services, farming opportunities, and participation in trade. They urged ministries, county governments, and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to work together to create pathways for economic independence among PWDs.
In the financial sector, the disability community proposed the establishment of a dedicated Disability Pillar Fund and National SACCOs to provide affordable credit facilities.
They also demanded free business permits for traders with disabilities, automatic tax exemptions for registered PWDs, reduced excise duties, and improved accessibility in financial services.
The statement highlighted the urgent need for reforms in public service delivery, including the deployment of Kenya Sign Language interpreters in government institutions and the adoption of disability-inclusive communication systems. The leaders emphasized that language adaptation and behavioral reforms are essential to ensuring equal access to services.
Technology and education were also identified as critical pillars of inclusion. Disability advocates called for the integration of assistive technologies in schools, workplaces, and public institutions. They also proposed stronger laws to address discriminatory language, cyberbullying, and body shaming targeting persons with disabilities.
On education, the movement urged the government to strengthen inclusive learning systems and provide free sanitary products for women and girls with disabilities, noting that many continue to face unique challenges that hinder their educational attainment and social participation.
The leaders welcomed the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, the National Disability Policy, and Kenya's ratification of the African Disability Protocol. However, they challenged the government to move beyond policy declarations and fully operationalize the legal framework, particularly through the development and implementation of regulations under the new law.
Calling for a "Whole of Society Approach" to disability inclusion, the advocates appealed to civil society organizations, private sector actors, development partners, and local communities to join efforts aimed at dismantling stigma and discrimination.
"This is not charity; it is justice, dignity and respect for us all," the statement declared.
As part of what they described as their "irreducible minimum" demands for 2027, the disability movement called for the appointment of more persons with disabilities to senior government positions, including Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, ambassadors, and county executives.
The leaders proposed a framework that would guarantee at least two Members of County Assemblies in every county, four Members of the National Assembly, one Cabinet Secretary, four Principal Secretaries, and four ambassadors drawn from the disability community.
"They lamented that since independence, no person with disability has ever been appointed to a Cabinet position, describing the situation as evidence of the continued exclusion of PWDs from top leadership roles.
The movement also demanded improved disability data collection to support planning and budgeting, implementation of the constitutional requirement that at least five percent of public sector jobs be reserved for persons with disabilities, and expanded access to government funding initiatives such as the Hustler Fund and NYOTA grants.
Other priorities include tax relief for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities, increased investment in disability sports, and stronger support for para-athletes through funding for training, equipment, and international competitions.
On electoral reforms, disability advocates called for the reinstatement of the IEBC Disability Inclusion Committee to oversee disability-related electoral issues. They also urged amendments to the Political Parties Act and the IEBC Act to guarantee meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in electoral processes and political party structures.
Additionally, they called for formal recognition of disability leagues and lobby groups within political parties to ensure that PWDs are actively involved in decision-making and nomination processes at both national and county levels.
"Together, we can build a Kenya that truly reflects our constitutional values; a nation where every voice counts, every person is empowered, and no one is left behind," the statement concluded.
Comments
Post a Comment