Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have been urged to embrace digital platforms and familiarize themselves with online political information to enhance their participation in the country’s democratic processes.
Speaking during the commemoration of the Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) in Kitale, Regional Coordinator Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) for West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, and Turkana counties, Serah Wachira, said there is a need to promote the creation of inclusive digital platforms that cater to the needs of all users regardless of their abilities.
For this to be achieved, Wachira said there is a need for more sensitization for the PWDs to comprehend how to access information on the digital stage, explaining that it will go a long way to help affected groups make informed decisions come the 2027 General Election.
The event organized in partnership with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and other stakeholders to advocate for equal access to digital information for PWDs under the theme “Design, Develop, and Deliver” brought together participants from the 25 wards in Trans Nzoia.
“As an office, we felt it was important to empower PWDs with knowledge on how to access political information through digital platforms. This will enable them to actively participate in the electoral process and exercise their democratic rights effectively,” said Wachira.
Informing that ORPP has taken relevant steps, which have ensured their website is designed with accessibility features that make it easier for PWDs to navigate and obtain relevant information on political parties and electoral processes, Wachira challenged other government bodies to emulate the same example.
She added that more valuable proposals received from participants will help shape the operations of ORPP with regard to PWDs.
“We want every person with a disability to access information just like any other citizen. We are also encouraging them to educate fellow PWDs and institutions on the need for accessible digital platforms,” she stressed.
Led by Lucy Maseti, the participants expressed concern over the lack of representation of PWDs in the Trans Nzoia County Assembly.
Maseti said although political parties often include PWDs in party nomination lists, many fail to secure representation during the final selection process.
“We have continuously been left behind despite being included in party lists. We are appealing to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to support our request for fair representation in future elections,” she said.
Bernard Masioge from NCPWD said the sensitization programme will help ensure that PWDs are not left behind in accessing critical political and civic information.
He bemoaned that the county had gone for the last five years without any representation of PWDs in the Assembly as he called for the establishment of structures, laws, and policies that guarantee their inclusion in governance.
“Representation of PWDs should not depend on political goodwill. Just like other groups, we deserve proper representation in government structures. We remain hopeful that the 2027 elections will offer us an opportunity to have our voices heard through elected or nominated representatives,” said Masioge.
The participants called upon government institutions, political parties, and private organizations to prioritize accessibility in digital spaces to ensure equal access to information and services for all citizens.
By IsaiahNayika and Bravious Ndunde
