Kajiado: The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has urged persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Kajiado County to familiarize themselves with the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, to enable them to understand, claim, and defend their rights. The Council emphasized the importance of this knowledge as stakeholders prepare to participate in the development of regulations that will guide the Act’s implementation.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Act, which was signed into law by President William Ruto on May 8, 2025, replaces the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2003. During a sensitization forum in Kajiado Town, NCPWD Head of Legal Office Cynthia Monyenye advised PWDs, caregivers, parents, and guardians to understand the new law’s provisions and advocate for their rights from an informed position. The law includes rights and benefits such as tax reliefs and exemptions for employed persons with disabilities, business operators, or those involved in organizations serving PWDs.
Monyenye mentioned that the Council is in discussions with the Ministry of Finance regarding the possibility of raising the tax exemption threshold, which has remained at Sh150,000 for a considerable time. She also encouraged public members, including duty bearers and service providers, to familiarize themselves with the Act, available on the Council’s website and mobile application.
NCPWD Programmes Officer Alex Munyere urged private companies in Kajiado County to comply with the law and respect the rights of persons with disabilities. He emphasized that even private companies should operate within legal boundaries to ensure a good working relationship. The Council also challenged Kajiado County’s Disability Mainstreaming Unit to enhance its role in reporting, planning, and resource allocation for PWD-focused programs.
The Council called on the county government to develop plans aligning with NCPWD’s and collaborate closely to incorporate PWD rights into county programs and budgets. NCPWD Kajiado County Coordinator Iman Ali Omar expressed anticipation for participating in regulation development to facilitate the new law’s implementation. Omar highlighted the importance of continued engagement with PWDs and related organizations to ensure the Act translates into tangible benefits.
Agneta Awino Owino, a student and person with a disability, praised the sensitization exercise for helping her learn about the new law and encouraged others to attend similar forums. Wycliffe Omondi, a member of Let’s Support Persons with Disability, also commended NCPWD for bringing the sensitization exercise to the grassroots level, noting that the forum helped participants better understand the Act.
The forum gathered representatives from organizations of persons with disabilities, including Let’s Support Persons with Disability and New Life Mission for Children, along with non-governmental organizations and government agencies.
