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Disability Mainstreaming Hub

The Disability Mainstreaming hub consists of Persons with Disabilities advocates championing specific issues related to disabilities in each of the 14 counties

Kenya’s legal framework for persons with disabilities (PWDs) is robust, encompassing national laws such as the Constitution of Kenya (2010), which ensures equal rights and non-discrimination, and the Persons with Disabilities Act (2003), which establishes the National Council for Persons with Disabilities to promote their welfare. Regionally, Kenya adheres to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Internationally, Kenya has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which emphasize inclusive education, employment, and reducing inequalities for PWDs.

Addressing PWD issues effectively is crucial for upholding these commitments and achieving social justice, economic benefits, and improved health and education outcomes. Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicates that approximately 2.2% of the population, or around 900,000 individuals, are persons with disabilities. PWDs face higher poverty rates, limited access to healthcare, and lower educational attainment compared to their non-disabled peers. By addressing these disparities, Kenya can ensure that PWDs contribute fully to society, enhancing productivity and reducing dependency, while fulfilling its national, regional, and international obligations to protect and promote the rights of PWDs.

Kiambu

Despite the recent passage of the Kiambu County Persons with Disabilities Act, 2024, which aims to safeguard the rights and well-being of PWDs, the reality on the ground remains stark. PWDs in Kiambu County continue to face numerous challenges, including limited access to healthcare services, employment opportunities, and public amenities.

PWDs in Kiambu County, particularly those in the Uthiru Ward, face significant challenges in accessing healthcare services at the Uthiru Dispensary. The facility lacks essential accessibility features such as ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms, making it difficult for wheelchair users to navigate. Additionally, the staff may not be adequately trained to provide care for PWDs with specific needs. These barriers prevent PWDs from receiving timely and quality healthcare, hindering their overall well-being.

The Uthiru Ward community budget cell, composed of local advocates for PWD rights who’ve been in the sphere of advocacy for some time, aims to address this disparity. Recognizing the critical need for improved healthcare accessibility, the cell has prioritized health service delivery at the Uthiru Dispensary as a key focus area. By focusing on this specific facility, the cell can effectively advocate for infrastructure upgrades, staff training, and inclusive service delivery to ensure that PWDs in the ward receive the care and support they need.

  1. Advocate for improved accessibility and inclusivity at the Uthiru Dispensary– This objective focuses on physical accessibility, such as ramps and accessible restrooms, as well as staff training to provide inclusive healthcare services to PWDs.
  2. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Kiambu County Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2024– This objective aims to work with County government officials, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to ensure that the provisions of the bill are adhered to and that PWDs benefit from its implementation.
  3. To familiarize ourselves with the cell and members to be brought to speed about the cell, objectives and nechub
  4. To identify the focal point of our advocacy call
  5. To create the cell’s communication structure and individual roles within the cell set-up

 

Public participation engagement on the Regulations for the Kiambu Disability Act. Nelson Maina, NEC Regional Budget Hub Coordinator and  Rahab Karanga, a Budget Facilitator from Kiambu, were in attendance and were joined by Department officials and the County Assembly.