NGEC urges inclusion for PWDs in National and County Governments

The National Gender and Equality Commission has rallied national and county governments to include persons with disabilities in the running of their affairs. Speaking at a consultative forum of persons with disabilities at a city hotel, NGEC vice chairperson Commissioner Simon Ndubai particularly urged county assemblies to adhere to article 177 of the Constitution which provides for the composition of the county assemblies to include among them marginalized groups, persons with disabilities and youth.

Ndubai regretted that despite the clear provisions in the Constitution some county assemblies had flouted the law by excluding persons with disabilities in the assembly. “It is sad that we have to seek legal redress to compel some of these county assemblies to comply with the law” said Ndubai.

Speaking in the same meeting nominated Senator Paul Njoroge called on PWDs to step up and vie for elective seats. Senator Njoroge lauded NGEC for standing firm for inclusion and representation of special interest groups in the 2013 General Elections. He however lamented that PWDs are missing out on the access to government procurement opportunities which has earmarked a 30% share to special interest groups.

Stakeholders at the forum also called for the operationalization of Article 54 of the Constitution which provides for the protection and safeguarding of the rights of persons with disabilities.

NGEC urges inclusion for PWDs in National and County Governments