The Council participated in the just concluded Devolution Conference in Uasin Gishu County. The conference themed ’10 𝑌𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝑒𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛: 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐹𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒’ took stock of the state of devolution in the last decade.
Executive Director Harun Hassan participated in a panel discussion on the role of affirmative action in providing equity among women, youth and persons with disabilities. Other participants were Homa Bay Governor H.E. Gladys Wanga CBS, Vice Chairperson Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Affairs Senator Catherine Mumma, UNICEF Country Representative Dr. Shaheen Nilofer, UN Women Country Rep Anna Mutavati, FAO Representative Amb. Carla Mucavi, Executive Director Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW) Wangechi Wachira and Grace Wasike from the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action.
Mr. Hassan noted that conversations around affirmative action programmes are largely skewed in favor of women and youth, leaving behind persons with disabilities – who too are marginalized. He called for the full implementation of the disability medical assessment guidelines to provide accurate county disability data which will accurately inform affirmative efforts, and establishment of a county engagement framework to guide and evaluate disability issues in our devolved units.
Many commitments were made, including adoption of the 2023 Children’s Devolution Conference’s report which largely called for additional support to students with disabilities, and enhancing accessibility in public buildings and transport.
