NAIROBI, May 8, 2025
Kenya has taken a landmark step towards a more inclusive and equitable society after President William Ruto today assented to the Persons with Disabilities Bill, a progressive law designed to protect and promote the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the country.
The signing ceremony, held at State House Nairobi, was witnessed by lawmakers, disability rights advocates, and members of the Kenya Disability Parliamentary Association (KEDIPA) led by its Chairman, Westlands MP Hon. Tim Wanyonyi.
Speaking after the ceremony, Hon. Wanyonyi hailed the new law as a monumental victory for the disability movement in Kenya, noting that it offers expanded protections and opportunities for millions of Kenyans living with disabilities.
“This law transforms the conversation from charity to rights. It guarantees Persons with Disabilities their rightful place in every aspect of national life — from education and employment to healthcare and political leadership,”said Hon. Wanyonyi.
Expanded Benefits of the PWD Bill
The Persons with Disabilities Bill introduces a raft of progressive provisions that strengthen existing legal frameworks and dismantle longstanding barriers that have historically marginalized PWDs.
Among the key benefits are:
* Guaranteed Access to Education: The new law mandates inclusive education policies, ensuring that children with disabilities have equal access to learning opportunities, with provisions for assistive technologies, special needs teachers, and disability-friendly infrastructure in schools.
* Employment Equity: Public and private sector employers will now be required to allocate a minimum percentage of job opportunities to PWDs. The law also offers tax incentives to businesses that meet or exceed these quotas, aiming to reduce the high unemployment rates within the disability community.
* Universal Healthcare Access: Persons with Disabilities will benefit from prioritized access to healthcare services, including specialized treatment, assistive devices, rehabilitation, and mental health support — all integrated within the mainstream healthcare system.
* Improved Accessibility to Public Spaces: The law enforces strict compliance with universal design standards in buildings, public transport, and social amenities. New construction projects will be required to meet accessibility guidelines, and existing facilities given timelines for compliance.
* Political Participation: For the first time, the law compels political parties and government institutions to actively promote the inclusion of PWDs in leadership and decision-making positions, offering safeguards against discrimination during elections and appointments.
* Enhanced Social Protection: The legislation expands social safety net programs to include targeted cash transfers, support for caregivers, and subsidized public services for Persons with Disabilities and their families.
A Nation Moving Forward
President Ruto reaffirmed his government’s commitment to upholding the dignity and rights of PWDs, noting that this law signals Kenya’s readiness to meet global disability rights standards as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), to which Kenya is a signatory.
Also signed during the event was the County Governments Additional Allocation Bill, 2025, which provides increased funding to counties for equitable service delivery, with a portion earmarked for disability-related programs and infrastructure.
As Kenya marks this significant milestone, stakeholders are optimistic that the new law will not only improve the quality of life for PWDs but also foster a more inclusive society where every citizen has equal opportunity to contribute to the nation’s growth.
“Today is a victory not just for PWDs, but for the entire country. An inclusive Kenya is a stronger, better Kenya,”added Hon. Wanyonyi.