The Council released its 2nd Disability Inclusion Status Report, offering a critical evaluation of disability inclusion within Kenya’s public institutions for the 2022/2023 financial year. The report focuses on the implementation of the Disability Mainstreaming Performance Indicator.
While Kenya boasts a strong legal foundation promoting disability inclusion (Constitution of Kenya 2010 and Persons with Disabilities Act No. 14 of 2003), the report highlights a significant gap between policy and practice.
A key finding reveals that only 4% of public institutions meet the mandated 5% reservation of employment for persons with disabilities. This highlights a need for improved compliance across all institutions. Furthermore, only 35% of institutions had employed any persons with disabilities by July 2022, resulting in a mere 1.32% of the total workforce being persons with disabilities.
The NCPWD Career Portal, designed to connect job seekers with disabilities to opportunities, has seen positive engagement with over 1.9 million job postings viewed. However, 63 out of 369 institutions haven’t registered on the platform, and many haven’t utilized it for posting jobs, limiting opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities.
Accessibility of information and services also presents a challenge. Less than half of all institutions provide information in accessible formats like audio, large print, and braille, hindering access for persons with disabilities and falling short of constitutional requirements.
Establishment of Diversity and Inclusion Officers: The Public Service Commission should consider creating a dedicated cadre for Diversity and Inclusion officers within public institutions to champion inclusive practices.
Standardization of Data Collection: Public institutions need standardized tools to collect data on participation and access to services. This will enable effective monitoring and improvement of disability inclusion efforts.
Strategic Planning and Performance Indicators: The NCPWD urges for the integration of disability inclusion into government strategic planning frameworks and the reinstatement of Disability Inclusion Performance Indicators in Performance Contracting Guidelines.
Digital Accessibility: As Kenya progresses in digitalization, ensuring access to digital platforms for persons with disabilities becomes crucial. Collaboration between the ICT Authority and the Ministry responsible for digitization is critical to prioritize digital inclusivity and ensure information and services are accessible to all.
By translating these insights and recommendations into action, Kenya can significantly advance towards a truly inclusive society. Bridging the gap between policy and practice requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders – government, public institutions, and disability organizations. Only then can Kenya ensure that persons with disabilities not only enjoy legal protection but also full societal embrace, with equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from national development.
