Government Criticized for Slow Pace in Implementing Persons with Disabilities Act 2025

The Executive branch has faced strong criticism for its failure to swiftly operationalize the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, almost a year after President William Ruto signed it into law.

The legislation aims to strengthen the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities across Kenya. It promotes equal access to education, employment, healthcare, transport, and public services. The law also calls for disability-friendly infrastructure and enhanced protections against discrimination, stigma, and exclusion in both public and private sectors.

Furthermore, the Act seeks to economically and socially empower persons with disabilities through better representation in leadership and decision-making roles. It requires government institutions to develop necessary policies, regulations, and funding mechanisms to support full implementation of disability rights and inclusion programs.

Leaders representing persons with disabilities voiced their concerns during the inaugural faith-based summit on disability held in Nairobi. They stated that the ongoing delays have deprived millions of Kenyans of the protections and opportunities outlined in this landmark law. Lawmakers and disability rights advocates accused the government of assigning low priority to the legislation despite its comprehensive reforms for greater inclusion and accessibility.

Nominated Senator Crystal Asige, who sponsored the bill, emphasized that Parliament had fulfilled its responsibility by passing the law. She urged churches and grassroots organizations to sensitize communities about the Act and apply pressure on the government to put it into effect. Asige called for stronger collective voices to push for action.

She highlighted the progressive provisions in the Act, including accessibility standards, improvements to transport systems, and employment protections for persons with disabilities. Asige expressed disappointment that, despite being celebrated as a historic milestone upon enactment, the law has brought minimal tangible changes on the ground. Many persons with disabilities continue to encounter barriers to economic opportunities, public infrastructure, and social services. She warned that prolonged delays could weaken the law's intended impact.

Nominated MP Harun Kipchumba echoed these concerns, pointing to weak policy alignment and insufficient political commitment within government ministries, especially the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. He noted the lack of clear regulations, dedicated budget allocations, and coordinated implementation structures as major obstacles to progress.

Kipchumba described systemic gaps that have persisted for years without resolution. He stressed that the absence of strong prioritization for disability matters in national planning has led to limited interest in activating the law. Without focused attention in budgeting and unified execution strategies, he cautioned that the Act risks remaining largely unimplemented on paper.

This situation has sparked renewed calls for urgent government action to translate the legislation into real benefits for persons with disabilities nationwide.