Nairobi: Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making the more than 33,000 government services that are already digitised on E-citizen fully accessible online for persons with disabilities. Speaking during the official opening of the 6th Inclusive Africa Conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, Kabogo stated that the Ministry will partner with innovators, leading global technology companies, and organisations representing persons with disabilities to drive forward Kenya’s digital accessibility agenda.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kabogo emphasized the implementation of the Accessibility Standard for Digital Products as a significant step towards transforming how organisations design and deliver digital services. He highlighted the government’s determination to equip at least 20 million Kenyans with digital literacy skills by 2027, including individuals who are blind, deaf, or living with mobility, cognitive, or learning disabilities. Kabogo reiterated that digital accessibility is a right and an essential pillar of national development.
Principal Secretary for the State Department for Social Services and Senior Citizen Affairs Joseph Motari expressed the government’s commitment to accelerating progress toward universal digital inclusion. Motari conveyed that the priority is to address gaps in both physical and digital infrastructure while leveraging emerging technologies and assistive innovations. These efforts aim to empower persons with disabilities in Kenya to lead independent, productive, and dignified lives, fully participating in every aspect of society.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura affirmed Kenya’s position as one of Africa’s most progressive nations in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. He highlighted the 2010 Constitution’s role in guaranteeing their rights and ensuring access to employment and government procurement opportunities. Mwaura announced plans to launch an inclusive communications programme to make government communications fully accessible and responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities.
Founder and Executive Director of inABLE, Irene Mbari-Kirika, emphasised that digital accessibility is an ongoing process that must be integrated into every stage of the product development cycle. She urged developers and owners of digital products and services to prioritise accessibility to ensure that no person with a disability is left behind in the digital age.
Dina Randrianasolo, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Innovation at the Mastercard Foundation, highlighted the fundamental role of digital accessibility in education, employment, and the participation of young people across Africa. She noted that more than 135 million people on the continent require assistive technologies, yet only 3 per cent currently have access, underscoring the urgent need to accelerate digital inclusion efforts.
The 3-day Inclusive Africa Conference is dedicated to advancing digital inclusion for persons with disabilities, with a focus on making financial services, education, skills development, employment, brand communication, and transportation more accessible. It also explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence as a catalyst for inclusive innovation. The conference aims to bring together key stakeholders, including government, industry, and civil society, to collaboratively develop a joint roadmap for the accelerated implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, with digital inclusion at its core.
