By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya
Kenyan President William Ruto has officially enacted the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2025 into law during a signing ceremony at State House in Nairobi.
He praised the legislation as a milestone in promoting the dignity and rights of individuals with disabilities, noting that it aligns closely with Kenya’s Constitution particularly Article 54, which protects these rights.
The new law strengthens protections for persons with disabilities in areas such as education, employment, healthcare, political involvement, and infrastructure access.
It replaces the older Persons with Disabilities Act, Cap. 133, and adopts a rights based approach that mandates equal treatment and prohibits discrimination.
The bill was initially introduced in 2023 by Senator Crystal Asige. It went through both chambers of Parliament with amendments before receiving final approval this year.
The legislation enforces requirements for reasonable accommodations in public and private settings, including transport systems and digital communications.
It also introduces financial incentives, like tax reductions for employers of persons with disabilities and deductions for making workplaces accessible.
Those who violate the rights of persons with disabilities may face penalties under the new law.
Oversight and enforcement will be managed by a strengthened National Council for Persons with Disabilities, which now holds greater authority to investigate complaints, advise government bodies, and ensure policy implementation.
Both national and county governments are obligated to implement inclusive practices, including setting aside 5% of public sector jobs and market stalls for individuals with disabilities.
To improve accessibility, the law mandates structural adjustments in facilities and introduces a system of adjustment orders.
Media outlets will now be required to include closed captioning in key broadcasts, and all public spaces must meet universal design standards.
The law further ensures that learners with disabilities receive inclusive education and appropriate accommodations.
It guarantees free medical rehabilitation and safeguards in healthcare delivery.
President Ruto emphasized that while signing the law marks significant progress, achieving its full potential will require ongoing collaboration across government and civil society.
He also announced the reinstatement of a key performance indicator to measure inclusion efforts within public service institutions.
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