New Report from Ninth Devolution Conference Reveals Low Disability Inclusion in Counties
The 9th Devolution Conference, now taking place in Homa Bay, has highlighted disability inclusion, with a special forum revealing a wide gap between policy and practice at the county level.
During a Thursday side event titled "Policy To Impact: Driving disability inclusion through devolution," leaders from both national and county governments convened to address the shortcomings in implementing disability-friendly policies.
The discussion was prompted by a new report by the National Council for Persons with Disability (NCPWD) launched at the forum. The report's baseline survey indicated that only 16 of Kenya's 47 counties have enacted specific laws to support people with disabilities.
It also revealed that the representation of persons with disabilities in county government employment stands at a mere 3.1%, falling well short of the 5% legal target. Despite these challenges, the meeting offered a clear path forward, with discussions centered on the recently enacted Persons with Disabilities Act of 2025.
Speakers stressed that this new law provides clearer guidelines for both levels of government and urged counties to align their own legislation with the new national framework.
The consensus from the event was that for disability inclusion to be successful, it must move beyond rhetoric and be fully integrated into county-level planning and action.
The event featured a diverse panel of speakers, including representatives from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and Governor Simon Kachapin. They discussed a range of strategies, from leveraging new technologies like smartphone apps for eye health and 3D printing for prosthetics to ensuring leadership representation and improving accessibility.
It concluded with the official launch of a detailed report on the status of disability inclusion in county governments. This report will serve as a vital tool for stakeholders to drive real, tangible change.
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