Inclusion is not a matter of goodwill; it is a constitutional and moral imperative that demands deliberate action. 

The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Gladys Boss has today officially opened the Kenya Disability Parliamentary Association (KEDIPA) forum on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula, calling for practical reforms to address persistent barriers facing persons with disabilities. 

The forum, chaired by KEDIPA Chairperson Hon. Timothy Wanyonyi (Westlands) brings together stakeholders from key institutions to focus on inclusion in employment, transport, healthcare, education and public service.

Speaking at the forum, the Deputy Speaker raised concern over recruitment processes that continue to lock out qualified persons with disabilities due to rigid and outdated requirements. She questioned criteria that do not reflect an individual’s ability to serve, noting that persons with disabilities should be considered for roles, including within disciplined services, based on their skills and capacity.

She also highlighted gaps in access to healthcare, pointing to cornea transplants as a critical but often inaccessible service for many Kenyans. She called for stronger coordination and investment to expand access to such life-changing procedures.

Hon. Wanyonyi underscored the importance of sustained engagement with institutions to ensure policies translate into real opportunities. 

A key emerging issue is the need to institutionalize disability inclusion within the legislative process. KEDIPA has proposed the introduction of a disability impact assessment for all Bills: an approach that would ensure laws are interrogated for their effect on persons with disabilities before enactment. This signals a shift towards proactive, rather than reactive, lawmaking.

 KEDIPA will engage key institutions, including the Public Service Commission, Kenya Airports Authority, National Police Service, relevant Ministries, the State Department for Sports and the Teachers Service Commission, to turn disability inclusion from policy into measurable action and real-life impact.