International Day of Democracy: Democracy and Disability Rights
The International Day of Democracy, celebrated annually on 15th September, highlights the importance of inclusive governance and citizen participation.
A recent discussion on Signs TV, hosted by Allan Herbat, explored whether Kenya's democracy is effectively serving all its citizens, particularly people with disabilities.
Appearing on the show, Political analyst Professor Fred Ogolla offered a strong critique of democracy, calling it a "foreign concept" that is not working effectively in Kenya.
He argued that the system lacks a clear "regulator" and suggested that the traditional "kinship" model was a more responsible form of governance. In this system, he claimed, roles were clearly defined, and poverty was non-existent.
Professor Ogolla further stated that while democracy itself may be a good concept, leaders often use it to "brainwash others." He pointed to China as an example of a nation that has chosen development over democracy, implying that the two are often at odds.
Professor Ogolla's remarks on the effectiveness of democracy are relevant to the issue of disability inclusion, which has a long way to go in Kenya. This was particularly evident during the recent devolution conference, where a report revealed minimal progress on disability inclusion at the county level.
The report highlighted a few key achievements made by various countries. For instance, 16 counties have enacted social protection legislation for people with disabilities. However, several areas still show slow progress.
The constitutional requirement of 5% employment for people with disabilities in public service is still low. Similarly, progress is slow in promoting inclusive learning in early childhood centers and expanding social protection programs such as cash stipends, scholarships, and business permit waivers.
This report prompted the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to place the conversation at the center of the national agenda, recognizing the need for accelerated action to ensure full inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in civic life.
Tags: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DEMOCRACY PROFESSOR FRED OGOLLA Signstv Editor's Pick
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Selestine Nyongesa
An editor at Signs Tv
Experienced and versatile writer, dedicated to using my exceptional writing and editing skills to inform and advocate. My work focuses on educating and entertaining readers on a range of topics, with a particular expertise in matters of disability.
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