Proposed bill to enhance service delivery for persons with disabilities
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A proposed bill currently before Kenya’s Parliament aims to enhance service delivery for persons with disabilities, aligning the country’s legal framework with the 2010 Constitution and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024, which is in its third reading, will replace the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2003 and is designed to strengthen the rights of individuals with disabilities, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect in both public and private spaces.
Joseph Lerina, the Director of the National Council for Persons with Disability (NCPD), emphasized the importance of this legislation during the celebrations of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Othaya. The event, which focused on the theme Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities, highlighted the need for greater societal recognition and dignity for individuals with disabilities across all areas of life. Lerina stressed that the bill would provide significant improvements for people with disabilities, including increased access to government cash transfer funds.
“One of the key benefits of the bill is that it will ensure many deserving persons with disabilities gain access to financial support, a vital step in improving their livelihoods,” Lerina said. He further explained that the bill advocates for using respectful and dignified language when referring to people with disabilities, thus contributing to a more inclusive society. According to Lerina, the bill will also mandate the inclusion of persons with disabilities in government structures, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs addressed.
The bill’s provisions also focus on improving service delivery and representation. It mandates the use of dignified language when registering and certifying individuals with disabilities, ensuring they are treated with respect at all stages. Another important element of the bill is the increased representation of people with disabilities in government, so their unique needs and interests are better served.
Additionally, Lerina noted that the NCPD had leveraged Kenya’s e-Citizen platform to streamline the registration process for new beneficiaries. This digital platform allows individuals with disabilities to register from the comfort of their homes using a mobile phone. After completing their registration at the grassroots level, applicants receive a certificate through the platform, complete with authentication features to prevent fraud.
The government has also introduced direct mobile payment systems for individuals receiving cash transfers, allowing them to access their monthly stipends directly through their phones. This initiative aims to ease access to financial assistance for persons with disabilities and increase their financial independence.
In line with these efforts, the government has developed a comprehensive Persons with Disability National Policy document. This policy aims to ensure that children and infants with disabilities have access to essential medical care and that early identification of congenital conditions is supported. The policy also focuses on improving maternal and childcare services to better serve families of children with disabilities.
Ken Kabene, the NCPD Service Officer for Nyeri County, shared that while the exact number of persons with disabilities in the area remains uncertain, estimates suggest that there are approximately 80,000 individuals in need of support. Kabene explained that events like the International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebrations are essential for raising awareness and sensitizing the public about government policies and programs designed to assist people with disabilities.
“This forum is an opportunity to bring together persons with disabilities, celebrate county achievements, and identify gaps in service delivery. The Othaya Level 4 hospital plays a crucial role in assessing individuals with disabilities, which helps us gather important data,” Kabene explained. He added that, according to the World Health Organization, approximately 10% of Kenya’s population has some form of disability, highlighting the scale of the issue.
Earlier this year, the government launched a nationwide program to map individuals living with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and related developmental disabilities (RDD). The initiative, which lasted two weeks, aimed to create a database that would allow the government to provide essential resources such as therapeutic services, drugs, and assistive devices at no cost. The program was introduced after it became apparent that many individuals with ASD and RDD lacked access to critical care.
“The government has recognized the financial burden these families face, especially considering the high cost of sustaining patients who require ongoing medical treatment and therapy. Many of these patients need special support, and some require expensive drugs not covered by medical insurance,” Kabene noted. He also pointed out that individuals with disabilities often need assistive devices like wheelchairs or walking frames, which can be prohibitively expensive.
In Nyeri County, the registration and mapping process is ongoing, with efforts being made to place individuals with disabilities in appropriate institutions. Kabene mentioned that the county is working with local hospitals and faith-based organizations like the Metropolitan Children Sanctuary, which provides rehabilitation services and will be one of the facilities offering therapy to those enrolled in the program.
This new approach to registering and supporting persons with disabilities is a significant step forward in improving the quality of life for this vulnerable group in Kenya. Through the proposed bill, government initiatives, and collaborations with local organizations, there is a clear effort to ensure that persons with disabilities are given the care, respect, and opportunities they deserve.
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