Commission Rallies Stakeholders to Drive Implementation of New PwDs Act

The Commission (NGEC) week convened a multi-sectoral stakeholder forum to unpack the recently enacted Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) Act, 2025.

Held at the Commission’s main Boardroom and live streamed across multiple social media platforms the meeting brought together representatives from government, civil society, the private sector, and organizations of persons with disabilities to examine the Act’s key provisions, implementation roadmap, and steps to ensure inclusion and accountability.

The PwDs Act 2025 marks a major legal milestone aimed at strengthening the rights, access, and dignity of persons with disabilities in Kenya. It mandates inclusive access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and participation in public life, in line with Kenya’s Constitution and international standards such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Stakeholders noted that while the law sets a strong framework, effective implementation will require focused efforts on public awareness, capacity building, and inter-agency coordination. Many speakers highlighted the need for sensitization campaigns to educate both service providers and the general public on PwDs rights and the new legal obligations.

A common concern was ensuring accountability at all levels, with calls for robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms to track progress. Participants emphasized that county governments will play a critical role in mainstreaming disabilityinclusive policies at the grassroots level.

Reflecting the principle of “Nothing about us without us,” the forum underlined the essential role of persons with disabilities in leadership and decision-making throughout the implementation process. Representatives from disability organizations stressed that their direct involvement is key to addressing barriers and tailoring solutions that reflect lived realities.

The Commission committed to facilitating ongoing stakeholder engagement, coordinating capacity development programs, and establishing clear benchmarks to measure the Act’s impact. This, the Commission said, is crucial for transforming the legislative gains into real improvements in the daily lives of persons with disabilities.