Kenya Marks IDPD With Renewed Push for Full Disability Inclusion
Nairobi, Thursday, December 4th, 2025-Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive society on Wednesday as national leaders, development partners and disability rights advocates gathered at the Kenya Society for the Blind to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura, who delivered his weekly briefing during the event, emphasised that disability inclusion remains a central pillar of the country’s governance and development agenda. He said this year’s theme, Supporting Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress, mirrors the constitutional promise that no Kenyan should be excluded from contributing to national growth.
Mwaura noted that the government is steadily implementing the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, a domesticated framework aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The law enhances accountability on inclusive education, accessibility, reasonable accommodation, and representation across state institutions.
He added that disability inclusion is embedded in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Strategy (BETA), ensuring persons with disabilities (PWDs) access resources, economic empowerment initiatives and social protection. Over 50,000 households are currently supported under the UNHCR-linked cash transfer programme for persons with severe disabilities, while the government has revised the age limit for youth disability beneficiaries from 29 to 35 years.
Highlighting progress in education and health, Mwaura pointed to improved learning tools in specialised institutions such as Thika Primary and Thika High School for the Blind, expanded teacher training programmes and increased community-based rehabilitation services offering mobility aids and assistive devices.
He also underscored the rising visibility of PWDs in leadership, citing appointments to the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), Public Service Commission, the Judiciary, as well as elected legislators who live with disabilities. Such representation, he said, strengthens inclusive governance and ensures equitable access to decision-making.
In remarks delivered on behalf of NGEC Chairperson Rehema Jaldesa, CEO Dr. Purity Ngina urged stronger enforcement of disability rights across national and county governments. She called for full operationalisation of the 2025 Act, emphasising the need for adequate resources, consistent accessibility standards and affirmative action in education, health, housing, transport and digital platforms.
Dr. Ngina also appealed to development partners and civil society to scale up disability-inclusive programming and facilitate the active participation of PWDs in governance and community development.
Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Country Director Mathias Kamp, stressed that democratic systems must safeguard minority rights, including those of persons with disabilities. He outlined KAS initiatives promoting inclusion through accessible events, leadership programmes and scholarships for PWDs, affirming that the foundation will continue working with the Office of the Government Spokesperson to advance accessible communication.
Nandi County nominated MCA and UDA Disability Caucus Chair Brigid Songok urged Kenyans to shift their attitudes toward disability, viewing PWDs as innovators and leaders rather than dependants. She emphasised the need for accessible environments, assistive devices and structured participation of PWDs in governance.
Mwaura further announced ongoing efforts to strengthen the Interagency Coordination Advisory Committee, which unites ministries, constitutional commissions and organisations of persons with disabilities to harmonise policy implementation. He said expanded funding for disability units and training of county champions is enhancing social protection and economic empowerment.
With increased representation of PWDs in Parliament, Senate and county assemblies following recent elections, Mwaura said Kenya is making significant progress toward an inclusive republic. He urged continuous collaboration among government institutions, civil society, political actors and development partners to eliminate barriers and uphold the constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination.
The commemoration concluded with a reaffirmation that national development is attainable only when all citizens, including persons with disabilities, are fully included and supported.
