The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has announced plans to conduct a National Disability Survey (NDS) in 2024. The survey will provide comprehensive information about the levels of disability in Kenya, as well as identify unmet needs and barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
The NDS is a tool developed by the World Health Organization and the World Bank to help countries collect data on disability. It is a comprehensive survey that covers a wide range of topics, including the types of disabilities, the severity of disabilities, and the socio-economic status of people with disabilities.
According to KNBS Director-General Macdonald Obudho, the survey is necessary to get an accurate picture of the disability landscape in Kenya and to ensure that programs and policies are tailored to the needs of people with disabilities.
“The 2019 census had its limitations as data was not properly captured,” Obudho said. “For instance, the statistics of children with disabilities aged five and below were not included. The stand-alone survey we are organizing to be done in 2024 is aimed at getting the accurate number of persons with disabilities in Kenya, delving deeper into the types, severity, and socio-economic data among other indicators.”
NCPWD Executive Director Harun Hassan welcomed the survey, saying that it would provide much-needed data to help the government better serve people with disabilities.
“The National Disability Survey is designed to provide up-to-date information for planning, monitoring, and evaluating the various activities, programmes, and projects geared toward improving the well-being of PWDs,” Hassan said.
“The government has a lot of pledges to fulfill to PWDs that include the 100 percent NHIF cover, enhanced support for learners with disabilities, and economic assistance through the Financial Inclusion Fund (Hustler fund) among others. The success of these programmes is pegged on accurate and reliable data on the PWDs that will ensure sufficient and fair coverage.”
The survey is being supported by the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD), which is a partnership of organizations working to improve the availability and use of data for sustainable development.
SOURCE: KENYA NEWS AGENCY