- In a statement reflecting his administration's dedication, President Ruto emphasized the importance of upholding the dignity and rights of PWDs.
On May 8, 2025, President William Ruto took a historic step by assenting to the Persons with Disabilities Bill 2025, effectively repealing the previous act established in 2003.
This new legislation represents a significant commitment to enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities (PWDs) across various sectors, including education, employment, health, and accessibility.
In a statement reflecting his administration's dedication, President Ruto emphasized the importance of upholding the dignity and rights of PWDs.
“By strengthening our legal frameworks, we are dismantling the systemic obstacles that have long excluded them from vital services and opportunities,” he said.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura echoed this sentiment, celebrating the transformative nature of the new law.
“20 years after the Disability Act was first passed, we now celebrate its progressive transformation. A bold step toward full inclusion, justice & dignity for persons with disabilities,” he said.
According to Isaac Mwaura, this law delivers on a Kenya Kwanza promise & the Disability Charter.
Mwaura expressed gratitude for the support received from across Africa. Addressing Kenyans with disabilities directly, he said, “This is your moment. Seize it with pride. This is for you and your families.”
The updated Act revitalizes the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, ensuring that it aligns with the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the African Charter on Human Rights, all now integrated into domestic law.
Mwaura noted the extensive provisions that have domesticized these international conventions, reinforcing the legal rights of PWDs.
Reflecting on the journey of this legislation, Mwaura shared, “I reintroduced it in 2013 in the National Assembly and again in the Senate. There have been back and forths, and I am happy that today that Bill has been passed by Cabinet and approved by President Uhuru in 2018.”
“This is a very progressive Bill,” Mwaura asserted, highlighting its potential to empower individuals.
He shared his personal journey, stating, “It is one of the laws that has really empowered me as a person to become a Member of Parliament, Senator, and even the Government Spokesperson.”
