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.
Speaking to KNA, the Kenya Union of the Blind, Kericho Branch, Chairman Richard Mutai, said inclusion should go beyond policies and programmes; to ensuring that public buildings, schools, information systems and other services are designed and delivered in ways that Persons with Disabilities can use independently.
He called for increased education opportunities for learners with special needs, saying more support is required to enable Persons with Disabilities acquire skills and qualifications that can improve their participation in employment and economic activities.
Mutai appealed for increased provision of assistive devices to Persons with Disabilities, noting that access to appropriate equipment would make it easier for them to learn, work, communicate and participate in everyday activities.
“We appreciate President William Ruto for assenting 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 said.
He called for effective implementation of the legislation so that its provisions can translate into practical improvements in the lives of Persons with Disabilities.
Mutai called for 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 contents.
Meanwhile, the Acting Secretary of the Kenya Union of the Blind, Kericho Branch Geoffrey Kiprop, 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.
One of the union member, Bernard Kipkorir Maina, said government empowerment programmes should deliberately include Persons with Disabilities alongside other groups targeted for economic support.
by Fidel Ochieng and Humphrey Edwin
