President William Ruto on Thursday, May 8, signed the Persons with Disabilities Bill into law, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to promote inclusivity and protect the rights of persons with disabilities.
Source: Facebook
The bill was sponsored by Senator Crystal Asige, who has been vocal on matters of disability rights.
However, a light moment ensued at State House when the president mistakenly referred to the senator as Citizen TV Managing Editor Pamela Asigi.
The slip sparked laughter among attendees, though it didn’t overshadow the significance of the occasion.
"Finally, let me express my gratitude to Senator Pamela Asigi... (people clapped)," then the president realised the mishap and corrected: "Crystal Asigi, sorry, and she is in our midst."
The head of state officially signed the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2023, marking a historic legislative milestone to uphold the rights and dignity of people living with disabilities in Kenya.
President Ruto described the law as “a progressive piece of legislation” that aligns national policies with Article 54 of the Constitution, emphasising equal rights to education, healthcare, employment, political participation, and infrastructure.
The law replaces Cap. 133 and adopts a rights-based approach, banning all forms of discrimination against people with disabilities and enforcing reasonable accommodation in public spaces and services. It introduces strong penalties, protects PWDs from abuse, and establishes financial incentives such as:
The Bill also revamps the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, granting it expanded authority to investigate, advise, and act on disability matters.
Asige, Kenya’s only blind Senator, first introduced the bill in February 2023. It went through extensive readings and amendments in both houses of Parliament before receiving presidential assent.
President Ruto emphasised that implementation is key:
“The real work now begins. Its full promise cannot be realised by the National Council or the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection alone. It requires collective
Source: TUKO.co.ke
