The Council, in collaboration with its partners, held a significant side event and launched a Baseline Assessment Report on Disability Inclusion in County Governments in Kenya 2025 at the recent Devolution Conference, which took place in Homa Bay County.
Report Overview and Key Findings
The report, which the Council prepared with the invaluable support of its partners and the Council of Governors (CoG), highlighted key findings concerning the implementation of policies and programs for persons with disabilities by county governments across Kenya. While the findings indicated that a significant journey remained toward achieving full inclusion, the assessment also identified promising practices already in place. The comprehensive document provided evidence-based recommendations intended to guide future planning and action in this critical area.
Challenges to Full Inclusion
A central finding of the report was that disability inclusion lagged in many county governments. Specific data points illustrated this challenge:
- Only 16 county governments had enacted specific disability legislation.
- A mere 12 county governments possessed a stand-alone disability policy.
- Furthermore, the representation of persons with disabilities in the county workforce stood at approximately 3.1%, a figure that fell significantly below the 5% legal requirement.
Identified Promising Practices
Despite the challenges, the assessment uncovered areas of positive action and progress:
- 39 county governments had employed persons with disabilities.
- 35 county governments were implementing economic empowerment programs specifically for persons with disabilities.
- The report further highlighted that most county governments were implementing affirmative action policies, such as the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) program and the extension of the retirement age to 65 years for persons with disabilities.
Acknowledgements
The Council extended its profound appreciation to H.E. Governor Simon Kachapin for delivering a keynote address at the event. Gratitude was also conveyed to the esteemed partners for their invaluable collaboration and support, which was instrumental in holding this important discussion. These partners included:
- CBM Kenya
- Light for the World
- United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK)
- Social Protection Department
- The Council of Governors (CoG)
The event’s closing message stressed the collective commitment required to “move from policy to action” and ensure that “the promise of inclusion is delivered for all.
