PWDs Unveil Bold 10-Point Agenda Ahead of 2027 Polls, Demand Full Inclusion in Leadership and Economy

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Kenya have unveiled a comprehensive 10-point political agenda ahead of the 2027 General Election, calling for increased representation in leadership, full implementation of disability laws, and enhanced economic empowerment to address longstanding exclusion.

The agenda was launched during a Persons with Disabilities Breakfast Forum held at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) in Nairobi, bringing together disability rights advocates, elected leaders, and representatives from various disability organizations.

The forum provided a platform for stakeholders to push for stronger inclusion of persons with disabilities in political, social, and economic decision-making processes, amid concerns that many continue to face systemic barriers despite existing legal protections.

Speaking at the event, Consortium of Disabled Persons Organizations in Kenya (CDPOK) Executive Director Joseph Atella said persons with disabilities remain among the most marginalized groups in Kenya’s democratic space due to structural, institutional, and attitudinal challenges.

“Persons with disabilities remain among the most marginalized groups in political and civic spaces due to structural, institutional and attitudinal barriers,” said Atella.

He cited inaccessible polling stations, lack of civic education materials in accessible formats, communication barriers, and persistent stigma as key obstacles limiting full participation in elections and governance.

Atella stressed that while the Constitution of Kenya 2010 provides a strong foundation for inclusion through Articles 27, 54, 99, and 100, the challenge remains in full implementation of these provisions.

He urged the government to move beyond policy commitments and ensure that legal guarantees translate into practical benefits for millions of Kenyans living with disabilities.

“The Constitution provides a solid framework for equality and dignity, but implementation is what will determine whether persons with disabilities are truly included in national development,” he said.

The disability rights advocate also called for the operationalization of the Kenya Kwanza Disability Economic Charter and its integration into the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) to enhance economic participation among PWDs.

He said targeted interventions such as entrepreneurship training, access to affordable financing, and business development support would enable persons with disabilities to actively participate in trade, agriculture, and other income-generating activities.

Atella further emphasized the need to improve access to assistive technologies, healthcare services, inclusive education, and social protection programs to enhance the quality of life for PWDs across the country.

He welcomed the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, describing it as a significant milestone in advancing disability rights in Kenya.

However, he called for the urgent development of supporting regulations to ensure effective implementation of the law and to prevent it from remaining on paper without impact.

Disability rights stakeholders at the forum echoed the call for stronger political inclusion, noting that increased representation of PWDs in leadership positions is critical to ensuring their voices are reflected in national decision-making.

As the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election, the agenda is expected to shape advocacy efforts pushing for inclusive electoral processes and equitable participation in governance structures.

Stakeholders expressed optimism that sustained engagement with policymakers would lead to meaningful reforms that address historical exclusion and promote equal opportunities for all Kenyans, regardless of disability status.