By VoiceNews.africa Editorial 
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive society that empowers persons with disabilities, as Kenya joined the world in marking the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura delivered the national statement during celebrations held at the Kenya Society for the Blind, where he highlighted key milestones, policy reforms and expanded programmes aimed at promoting disability rights and equal participation.
Theme Underscores Constitutional Promise of Equality
This year’s IDPD theme, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress”, echoes Kenya’s constitutional vision of equity, dignity and non-discrimination. Mwaura noted that the government continues to anchor disability inclusion at the centre of national development.
He emphasised that the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, which aligns Kenya’s laws with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, strengthens the country’s legal framework for protecting rights, promoting accessibility and ensuring social justice.
He added that the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) is designed to ensure no Kenyan is excluded from opportunities, resources or social protection on the basis of disability.
Over 50,000 Households Benefiting from Inua Jamii
Mwaura announced that more than 50,000 households of persons with severe disabilities are now receiving support through the Inua Jamii cash transfer programme, targeting individuals with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities and other developmental conditions.
He also highlighted efforts to expand economic empowerment, particularly through MSMEs, hustler funds and targeted business development services.
In the recently launched NYOTA youth empowerment programme, the government extended the age limit for youth with disabilities from 29 to 35 years, ensuring equity and social fairness. So far, over 820,000 young people have been enrolled.
Policies to Strengthen Rights and Accessibility
The government has finalised the Persons with Disabilities National Policy 2024 and strengthened the Inter-Agency Coordinating Advisory Committee, bringing together ministries, counties and organisations of persons with disabilities.
The State Department for Labour and Social Protection continues to implement key initiatives, including:
These measures, he said, reflect a whole-of-society approach to inclusion and equitable development.
Greater Representation in Governance and Public Life
Mwaura acknowledged the growing role of political parties, civil society and community organisations in strengthening the political participation of persons with disabilities.
He welcomed the increasing representation of persons with disabilities across leadership and political structures, describing it as essential to building a democracy that mirrors the diversity of its citizens.
Progress Through the Disability Inclusion Scorecard
Highlighting the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Three-Year Disability Inclusion Scorecard, Mwaura said significant progress has been made in:
He noted particular improvements at Thika Primary School for the Blind and Thika High School for the Blind, including enhanced learning materials, more specialised teachers and expanded access to Braille and ICT learning tools.
“Last year, through my intervention and with the approval of the President, Thika High School for the Blind received KSh 20 million for infrastructural development,” he said, underscoring the government’s commitment to educational inclusivity.
The 2025 IDPD celebrations served as a renewed call for partnership among government agencies, counties, civil society, and development organisations to advance disability inclusion as a collective national responsibility.