Westlands Member of Parliament, Tim Wanyonyi, has been reelected to serve as the Chairperson of the Kenya Disability Parliamentary Association (KEDIPA) for the next three years. The decision was made during a KEDIPA meeting held at the Parliament Buildings on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
Joining Wanyonyi in leadership roles are a cadre of elected officials: Nominated MP Hon Bishop Kosgei as Vice Chairperson, Nominated Senator Hon Crystal Asige as Secretary, Turbo MP Hon Janet Sitienei as Treasurer, and Nominated Senator George Mungai Mbugua as Liaison/Coordinator.
Established in 2013, KEDIPA aims to bolster the voices of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) both elected and nominated to the National Assembly or Senate. Currently, the association boasts 16 members across both houses.
Under Wanyonyi’s leadership over the past three years, KEDIPA has actively advocated for motions and bills that advance the interests of PWDs within the Parliament. Furthermore, the association has heightened the visibility of issues confronting PWDs both within the legislative chamber and beyond.
In their upcoming tenure, Wanyonyi and his team will spearhead the passage of several pivotal bills in the 13th Parliament. These include the Persons with Disabilities (Amendment) Bill 2023, the County Government (Amendment) Bill to ensure adequate representation of PWDs in county assemblies, the Start-up Bill, Kenya Sign Language (Amendment) Bill 2023, and the Learners with Disabilities Bill 2023.
The newly elected leadership is also tasked with promoting KEDIPA’s accessibility to Parliament and advocating for the concerns of the disability sector, including bills, budgets, and rights. Additionally, they will maintain active engagement with sector players, PWDs, OPDs, human rights organizations, and others to shape the legislative agenda for the disability sector.
Ensuring vibrant communication channels is another priority for Wanyonyi’s team, with plans to utilize the website, social media platforms, and mainstream media to disseminate information effectively. Notably, efforts will be made to revitalize the Disability Journalists Association with continuous training provisions to enhance coverage within the disability space.