Nairobi: Persons with Disabilities in Kericho County have asked the government to make their inclusion in government programmes a top priority. They challenged the Government to ensure that they have access to quality education, assistive devices and public services with ease.
According to Kenya News Agency, Richard Mutai, Chairman of the Kenya Union of the Blind, Kericho Branch, emphasized that inclusion should extend beyond policies and programmes. He highlighted the necessity for public buildings, schools, information systems, and other services to be designed in ways that Persons with Disabilities can use independently. Mutai stressed the need for increased educational opportunities for learners with special needs, advocating for more support to help Persons with Disabilities acquire skills and qualifications that enhance their participation in employment and economic activities.
Mutai also urged for a greater provision of assistive devices, noting that access to appropriate equipment would facilitate learning, working, communicating, and participating in everyday activities for Persons with Disabilities. He expressed appreciation for President William Ruto’s assent to the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2025, which became the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025. The law provides a framework for protecting and promoting the rights of Persons with Disabilities in areas such as education, employment, healthcare, political participation, and access to buildings and public spaces. Mutai called for effective implementation of the legislation to ensure its provisions translate into practical improvements in the lives of Persons with Disabilities.
Furthermore, Mutai urged government and public institutions to provide information in accessible formats, including Braille materials for Persons with visual disabilities, sign language interpretation, and captions for audio and video content. Meanwhile, Geoffrey Kiprop, Acting Secretary of the Kenya Union of the Blind, Kericho Branch, called for more sign language interpreters to be trained and deployed in public institutions to improve communication with Persons with Disabilities who use sign language.
Bernard Kipkorir Maina, a member of the union, advocated for government empowerment programmes to deliberately include Persons with Disabilities alongside other groups targeted for economic support.
