The Association for Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK) and organizations for
persons with Disabilities (OPDs) working with the Consortium of Disabled
Persons Organizations in Kenya (CDPOK) are appealing to President William Ruto
to include one of their own in government appointments as he cobbles together
his government.
Addressing the media Wednesday, the organizations led by CDPOK Executive
Director Joseph Atela, APDK’s Head of National Programs Benson Kiptum and
APDK’s Belinda Oduor say that it was unfortunate that President Ruto omitted
persons with disability in the just named list of proposed Cabinet Secretaries
terming the omission as a retrogression on the disability inclusion agenda
which he held dear during the campaign period.
‘The disability leadership wish to congratulate President Dr William Ruto
for winning the August elections. It is our hope that your government will lead
in inclusion of persons with disability as cited in UDA’s disability charter
developed during the campaign period,’ they said.
They asked that the government needs to ensure actual implementation of
Article 54(2) that provides for a minimum of 5% representation of persons with
disability in both appointive and elective positions, for example Cabinet
Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, CASs, County Executive Committee Members,
Ambassadors, Commissioners, Parastatal Boards, CEOs and many others.
The organizations also demand that the government fastrack the disability
survey being championed by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics as that will
ensure that Kenya has credible disability data which can inform service
provision.
‘We also ask that the government ensures PEDs are enrolled in Comprehensive
health cover in the NHIF. This includes access to assistive devices and technologies,
sunscreen lotions, therapy services, counselling and rehabilation services,’
they added.
They further asked that the government should increase funding capitation
for leaners with disabilities and employment of learners’ support assistants.
Further, the organizations asked the government to prioritize public
transport system that is accessible to PWDs for instance pick up and drop off
points, audio visual traffic lights and accessible foot bridges at the right
points and also prioritize repealing the PWDs Act in the legislation agenda.
On matters nominations of PWDs to County Assemblies, the organizations
decried that 22 County Assemblies did not have any of PWDs nominated a move
they said was detrimental.
‘Comparing the IEBC gazetted list of nominees and party nomination list we
observed some inconsistencies and oversights that could have served to
jeopardize nomination chances of persons with disabilities. We have so far
filed a petition in court in this regard,’ Atela said.
