KEDIPA Calls for Structural Reforms to Strengthen Disability Inclusion in Kenya

The Kenya Disability Parliamentary Association (KEDIPA), chaired by Westlands MP Hon. Timothy Wanyonyi, has called for urgent structural, legislative, and institutional reforms to strengthen disability inclusion across the country.

Speaking during a retreat focused on advancing disability rights, KEDIPA emphasized the need to dismantle entrenched systemic and societal barriers that continue to limit equitable participation of persons with disabilities in key sectors of national life.

The retreat was officially opened by Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Gladys Boss, who represented Speaker Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula. In her remarks, she underscored that inclusion should not be viewed merely as a compliance requirement but as a deliberate redesign of opportunity to ensure equal access and participation.

At the centre of discussions was the recognition that while progress has been made, particularly through the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, significant gaps remain in implementation. Leaders acknowledged that legislation alone is insufficient unless it translates into tangible improvements in areas such as education, employment, healthcare, and public service delivery.

Hon. Wanyonyi highlighted steps taken within Parliament to enhance accessibility for Members with disabilities, including targeted investments supported through partnerships such as the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. He noted that these measures have improved participation and functionality, but stressed that inclusion must extend beyond Parliament and be embedded across all public and private institutions.

A key proposal emerging from the discussions was the introduction of a disability impact assessment for all Bills before enactment. KEDIPA members argued that such a mechanism would ensure proposed laws are evaluated for their impact on persons with disabilities, marking a shift toward proactive and inclusive lawmaking.

Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss also called for reforms in recruitment policies, questioning rigid criteria—such as certain physical requirements—that may unintentionally exclude qualified candidates from opportunities in sectors including security and public service. She urged institutions to align job specifications with competence, skills, and ability rather than outdated standards.

She further emphasized the importance of changing societal attitudes toward disability inclusion, citing awareness initiatives such as cornea donation as examples of simple yet transformative actions that can restore dignity and expand opportunities for individuals.

The retreat also highlighted the need to strengthen KEDIPA’s operational capacity, with calls for enhanced administrative and financial support to enable the caucus to effectively undertake oversight, policy dialogue, and engagement with stakeholders.

Looking ahead, KEDIPA plans to engage key institutions including the Public Service Commission, Kenya Airports Authority, National Police Service, the Ministries of Transport and Education, the State Department for Sports, and the Teachers Service Commission. The objective is to move beyond policy discussions and implement practical, measurable solutions that advance disability inclusion.

Leaders concluded that achieving true inclusion requires coordinated action, institutional commitment, and sustained reforms aimed at transforming disability rights from policy commitments into lived realities for all Kenyans.