Kenya Enacts Progressive Disability Rights Law
May 10, 2025 — Nairobi, Kenya
In a landmark move toward enhancing the rights of persons with disabilities, President William Ruto has signed the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2025 into law, replacing a 20-year-old framework with a more progressive and comprehensive set of protections and provisions. The new law, hailed as a significant step forward for inclusion and accessibility, is expected to have a profound impact on the lives of millions of Kenyans living with disabilities.
The bill was signed on Thursday at State House Nairobi, in the presence of key stakeholders, including members of the disability community, advocacy groups, and government officials. The enactment of the new law comes after years of lobbying and collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and persons with disabilities themselves.
“This is a monumental day for Kenya,” President Ruto said during the signing ceremony. “The new law will guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities in all spheres of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and accessibility. It is an expression of our commitment to a more inclusive and equitable society.”
The Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2025 introduces several groundbreaking provisions, including:
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Improved Accessibility: The law mandates that all public buildings, transport systems, and digital platforms be made accessible to persons with disabilities within a set timeline, ensuring the removal of barriers to mobility and communication.
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Employment Rights: It sets quotas for employment of persons with disabilities in both public and private sectors, along with tax incentives for companies that hire individuals with disabilities. The law also outlines specific anti-discrimination clauses to protect individuals from being excluded from the workforce.
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Social Services and Support: The bill includes provisions for enhanced social welfare programs, including cash transfers, subsidized medical care, and educational support for students with disabilities. This will help ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with the necessary resources to lead independent lives.
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Legal Protections: The new law creates an independent oversight body to monitor the implementation of disability rights and address grievances from the disability community. It also strengthens penalties for discrimination and abuse based on disability.
Disability rights activists have long criticized the previous law, which was seen as outdated and insufficient in addressing the current needs of the disability community. Many had argued that while the 2003 Persons with Disabilities Act made strides in advocating for basic rights, it fell short in providing adequate mechanisms for enforcement and in adapting to modern-day challenges.
“This is the law we have been waiting for,” said Mary Wambui, a disability rights advocate and chairperson of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD). “It recognizes the diverse needs of the disability community and places emphasis on creating an environment where persons with disabilities can fully participate in society.”
The new law has also garnered international praise, with global disability rights organizations applauding Kenya for taking such a decisive step toward advancing human rights. The United Nations, in particular, welcomed the bill as a model for other African countries to follow.
The implementation of the new law will require a concerted effort from various sectors, including government, businesses, and civil society. However, with the legislative framework now in place, Kenya is poised to become a leader in disability inclusion in Africa.