The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare chaired by Sen. Julius Murgor (West Pokot) pressed the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection over what lawmakers called serious implementation gaps in programmes meant to support Persons with Invisible Disabilities (PWIDs), as an emotional appearance by petitioner Beatrice Likiwop laid bare the failures of the current system.

Beatrice, 56, who lives with Status Epilepticus, Bradycardia and Fibromyalgia, told senators that despite over a decade of searching, she has never secured employment because employers disqualify her the moment she discloses her condition.

“For 10 years I have been looking for work. Since I was 46 and I am now 56. Whenever I disclose my disability I am no longer considered,” she said, fighting back emotion.

Her testimony highlighted the disconnect between policy pronouncements and lived experience — particularly in access to healthcare, employment and social protection. Beatrice revealed that while the new Social Health Authority covers consultations, it does not pay for her essential medication that cost KES 450 daily. 

The Principal Secretary (Social Protection), Joseph Motari, presented a detailed submission outlining existing frameworks, referencing the 2022 Disability Medical Assessment and Categorization Guidelines and various support programmes. However, senators said it failed to address Beatrice’s lived reality. Sen Beth Syengo criticised the presentation as too abstract and removed from the immediate needs of people struggling to survive with invisible conditions. 

“This presentation is futuristic. It lacks timelines, whereas those with invisible disabilities are struggling to navigate daily life,” she said.

Sen Gloria Orwoba challenged the Ministry’s claims that invisible disabilities are already integrated into policy. She questioned the actual impact of the 2022 guidelines and whether healthcare providers across the country had been sensitised to understand invisible disabilities.

Beatrice also questioned the government’s five percent employment quota for persons with disabilities. Although the Ministry cited the existence of a dedicated career portal and tax exemptions, her experience painted a different picture. Every time she has disclosed her disability, she said, she has been disqualified. 

On the issue of social protection, Beatrice asked why she has been excluded from the Cash Transfer Programme for Persons with Severe Disabilities, despite living without income or support. 

“I have no job, no consistent medicine, no support system — yet I am told I do not qualify,” she said. “What qualifies as severe?” She called for a redesign of the programme to accommodate people like her who are unable to work and live with chronic but invisible conditions.

Among her more urgent and practical proposals was the introduction of a medical identification bracelet for persons with invisible disabilities. During her epileptic episodes, she said, bystanders often respond inappropriately — sometimes trying to give her water or milk.

Sen Crystal Asige endorsed the idea and urged the Ministry to gather relevant actors to develop safe and practical identification tools tailored for Kenya. 

“You need to get enough people in a room and come up with creative solutions. This isn’t just a medical need, it’s about safety and dignity,” she said. 

She also raised concerns about the Social Protection Bill currently before the National Assembly, describing it as nearly silent on disability inclusion and especially dismissive of PWIDs. 

Throughout the Ministry’s presentation, multiple key responsibilities — from access to medication and first aid protocols to data on accessible buildings — were referred to other ministries. “The Ministry of Health is better placed” was a phrase repeated several times, alongside references to the Ministries of Environment, Lands and Public Works and the Kenya Bureau of Standards. When everyone is ‘better placed’, who is accountable?

The meeting was informed that the Cabinet Secretary for Health gave his assurances that he will appear before the Committee on 8th May to address concerns raised regarding invisible disabilities.