Outcry as PWD Act 2025 Remains Unimplemented One Year After Signing
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Legislative leaders representing Persons with Disabilities (PWD) have faulted the executive for failing to fast-track implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025.
The Act, which President William Ruto assented to last year, introduces wide-ranging benefits for disabled citizens. If implemented, it would strengthen inclusion and improve social and economic empowerment as well as protection.
During the Disability, the Bible and the Church Conference held at CITAM on May 22, 2026 in Nairobi, leaders discussed disability inclusion and policy implementation.
They noted that although the law marked a historic milestone, its impact has not reached millions of Kenyans it targets.
Nominated Senator Crystal Asige, who sponsored the Act, said Parliament had completed its role. She added that the Executive and the public must now ensure full operationalization.
She pointed out that the law includes progressive provisions that improve accessibility standards. It also reforms transport systems and strengthens employment protections.
“The PWD Act, 2025 is now law. We have done our part as Parliamentarians. However, we need stronger efforts from churches and grassroots organizations. They should sensitize the public and communities on what the Act promotes for PWDs and push government to operationalize it. We need more voices,” she said.
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Law Now in Force, Calls for Urgent Operationalization of PWD Act
Senator Asige expressed disappointment that one year later, authorities have still not operationalized the Act. She said this delay continues to exclude persons with disabilities from full participation in national development and social life.
“It is unfortunate that one year on, we still wait for the PWD Act to take effect. The law now looks like a suggestion instead of a binding framework. Disability does not receive the priority it deserves. Once Parliament passes a law, implementation should not take a year,” she said.
She called on the public to raise their voices and demand action.
“We need society to speak out more. We need people who support disability rights to act now and defend those who face long-standing exclusion,” she added.
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Calls for Greater Representation and Budget Mainstreaming
Nominated MP Harun Kipchumba said Kenya needs stronger representation of persons with disabilities in political and civic spaces. He also urged full inclusion of disability issues in national budgeting processes.
He highlighted persistent systemic gaps that continue to slow progress. He said weak policy alignment and poor prioritization of disability issues have reduced momentum in implementation.
“Without a strong focus in national budgeting and coordinated implementation, the Act will remain on paper,” he said.
He also pointed to delays within government ministries, especially the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, which has not fully rolled out required frameworks and regulations.
Stigma and Discrimination Persist Despite Legal Reforms
Duncan Chengo of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities said negative societal attitudes continue to block inclusion efforts.
He urged collective responsibility in addressing the challenge.
“We all need an all-hands-on-deck approach to end stigma and discrimination in our society by being sensitive to their plight,” he said.
Hope Mobility Kenya organized the event. The charity fabricates wheelchairs and distributes them to persons with disabilities in Kenya and across East Africa.
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Nominated MP Harun Kipchumba (left), Duncan Chengo of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (center) and another panelist discuss disability inclusion and representation during the ‘Disability, the Bible and the Church Conference 2026’ at CITAM in Nairobi on May 22, 2026. PHOTO/ FILE