KEWOPA backs full implementation of Persons with Disability Act, 2023

Nairobi County, Thursday, April 17th, 2025.

Members of the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) have pledged their full support for the implementation of the Persons with Disability Act, 2023.

In a meeting with the Women Challenged to Challenge (WCC) advocacy organization, the Women lawmakers led by Machakos MP. Hon. Joyce Kamene called for concerted efforts in the alignment of laws, budgets and oversight mechanisms to ensure the success of the Act's rollout.

"As women leaders, we are ready to champion this agenda in Parliament and in our communities but we cannot do it alone. We need the full partnership of government agencies, civil society, the private sector and most importantly, persons with disabilities themselves at the centre of this work," Hon. Kamene said.

Speaking during the meeting, WCC officials led by chairperson Mrs. Veronica Njuhi urged KEWOPA to advocate for regular performance reporting on employment quotas and healthcare access, among other key performance indicators.

"Data collection and transparent reporting will be key to measuring and driving progress,. We ask that you help us institutionalize this," Mrs. Njuhi said.

WCC also emphasized the importance of incorporating PWD voices from rural and marginalized areas in the implementation process, noting that the grassroots perspective will help tailor solutions that are both practical and inclusive.

The MPs committed to initiating mentorship programs for PWDs and empowering them to take up political leadership roles and improve their representation in governance.

While expressing their concerns, the caucus of Women Parliamentarians also urged WCC to do their own audit of unemployed but qualified PWDs in various fields and share it with KEWOPA to aid enforcement of at least 5% of all jobs in both public and private sectors to be reserved for PWDs.

On budgetary allocations, the Executive Director of KEWOPA, Ms. Mercy Mwangi urged WCC to be alert and monitor the budget making process, starting with the Budget Policy Statement to ensure adequate allocations are made for disability programs.

Notably, the Persons with Disability Act 2023 received overwhelming support from both the National Assembly and the Senate and is awaiting the President's assent, affirming Parliament's commitment to advocating the rights of PWDs.

Once enacted, the act is expected to harmonize Kenya’s Disability Law with the 2010 Constitution, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the international best practices and overall inclusive delivery of services.