PWD Leaders Demand Cabinet Slot and Greater Political Inclusion Ahead of 2027 Elections
The demands were made during a Persons with Disabilities Breakfast Forum held in Nairobi under the theme "Enhancing Democracy and Inclusion in the Political Space for Persons with Disabilities."
The forum was convened by the Office of the Government Spokesperson in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) as part of ongoing efforts to engage stakeholders on governance and inclusion issues.
The discussions focused on promoting meaningful political participation and representation of persons with disabilities, addressing barriers to leadership and electoral engagement, enhancing accountability within political parties and public institutions, and advancing accessible electoral and governance systems.
Speaking during the forum, Executive Director of the Consortium of Disabled Persons Organizations in Kenya (CDPOK), Joseph Atella, said persons with disabilities remain among the most marginalized groups in Kenya's political and civic spaces despite constitutional protections and years of advocacy.
Atella cited inaccessible polling stations, inadequate civic education materials, communication barriers and persistent negative societal attitudes as some of the challenges that continue to hinder the full participation of persons with disabilities in democratic processes.
He noted that the Constitution of Kenya guarantees equality, non-discrimination and political participation for persons with disabilities through several provisions, but argued that implementation remains inadequate.
"Legal protections must translate into tangible opportunities for millions of Kenyans living with disabilities," Atella said.
He further called for increased economic empowerment through greater participation in trade, entrepreneurship, employment and national development programmes, while urging national and county governments to improve access to assistive technologies, healthcare services, social protection programmes and inclusive education.
Among the key proposals presented at the forum was a call for the appointment of more persons with disabilities to senior government positions, including Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, ambassadors and other top leadership positions.
Nominated MCA representing persons with disabilities in Nandi County, Hon. Bridgit Songok, said representation at the highest levels of government remains significantly low.
She noted that since Kenya attained independence in 1963, no person with a disability has ever been appointed to serve as a Cabinet Secretary.
Songok also called for the full enforcement of the constitutional requirement that at least five percent of opportunities in public institutions be reserved for persons with disabilities.
"Employment remains one of the most effective pathways to economic independence and dignity for persons with disabilities," she said.
The MCA further advocated for increased access to affirmative action funds, targeted support for entrepreneurs with disabilities and enhanced social protection measures for families and caregivers of children with disabilities.
On political representation, she proposed a framework guaranteeing disability representation in county assemblies, Parliament and the Executive, while also calling on county governments to appoint at least one County Executive Committee Member and a dedicated director to coordinate disability programmes and services.
Veteran disability rights advocate Dr. Samuel Kabue said Kenya has one of the strongest disability rights legal frameworks in Africa but continues to face significant implementation challenges.
Kabue urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to reinstate the Disability Inclusion Coordinating Committee to oversee accessibility measures, civic education and participation of persons with disabilities throughout the electoral process.
He also challenged political parties to formally recognize disability caucuses and ensure disability concerns are reflected in party policies and nomination processes.
The forum provided stakeholders with an opportunity to share experiences, explore policy and legislative reforms, and reaffirm their commitment to building a more inclusive democracy where persons with disabilities can fully participate in decision-making and leadership at all levels.
The leaders expressed concern over continued underrepresentation, noting that more than 20 counties failed to nominate disability representatives in previous elections. They announced plans to intensify engagement with the IEBC, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, political parties and other stakeholders as part of preparations for the 2027 General Election.
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