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PWDs welcome new rights law, call for full implementation

President Ruto at a ceremony held at State House Nairobi signed the Persons with Disabilities Rights Bill, 2025 into law.

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by STEPHEN ASTARIKO

North-eastern16 May 2025 - 09:55
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In Summary


  • The legislation, sponsored by nominated Senator Crystal Asige, repeals the outdated 2003 Act and establishes a robust, constitution-aligned framework for PWDs.
  • The law replaces the Persons with Disabilities Act, Cap. 133, and takes a rights-based approach to disability.

Northern Kenya PWD chairman Hafid Maalim speaks to the press in Garissa town/HANDOUT










Persons with disability are now calling for political goodwill from the national and county governments to ensure full implementation of their new law.

On Thursday last week, President William Ruto at a ceremony held at State House Nairobi signed the Persons with Disabilities Rights Bill, 2025  into law.

The legislation, sponsored by nominated Senator Crystal Asige, repeals the outdated 2003 Act and establishes a robust, constitution-aligned framework for PWDs.

The law replaces the Persons with Disabilities Act, Cap. 133, and takes a rights-based approach to disability.

Speaking to the press on Friday, Northern Kenya PWD chairman Hafid Maalim described the development as a major victory for human rights and dignity, saying that its full implementation is what matters.

He said while it is a milestone for PWDs, its practical enforcement and implementation are what will make a real difference.

He said past laws for PWDs were only partially implemented or poorly monitored, adding that they would not wish the same to happen under the new law.

“As stakeholders, advocates, and members of the disability community, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Ruto for signing the Disability Rights bill into law.  We stand ready to support its implementation and build a more inclusive Kenya for all,” he said.

 “This landmark legislation is a monumental step towards inclusion, dignity and equal opportunities for persons with disability across Kenya. Your leadership in advancing the rights and well-being of all citizens, regardless of ability, is deeply appreciated. The law marks a turning point in ensuring that no one is left behind.”

Maalim expressed optimism that PWDs in Northern Kenya stand to greatly benefit from the new law, saying that they were still faced with a myriad of challenges, among them social-economic,  cultural and infrastructural factors.

“Our people are still faced with limited access to education, inadequate healthcare, stigma and discrimination, poor infrastructure and limited access to employment opportunities. We remain optimistic that things will change for the better,” he said.

The law guarantees and affirms the rights of PWDs to education, employment, healthcare, and political participation while mandating both national and county governments and the private sector to fulfill their obligations.

It prohibits all forms of discrimination against people with disabilities in all aspects of life and requires reasonable accommodation in public places, transportation, and information and communication technologies.

It introduces broad financial incentives and reliefs, such as tax breaks for employers of people with disability and deductions for workplace accessibility improvements.

The law also imposes penalties for violating PWDs' rights and protects them from abuse and exploitation.

During the signing ceremony, President Ruto described the new law as "a progressive piece of legislation" that reaffirms the dignity and rights of people with disabilities while also aligning national laws with Kenya's constitution, specifically Article 54, which enshrines their rights.

A revitalised and empowered National Council for Persons with Disabilities will oversee enforcement and coordination, serving as an independent statutory body with broad authority to advise, investigate, and act on disability-related issues.

Additionally, the law outlines clear obligations for both national and county governments, including the implementation of national disability policies at the local level, the formation of county advisory committees, and a requirement that at least five per cent of all employment opportunities in county governments be reserved for persons with disabilities.

The law includes strong social protection provisions, requires universal design standards for public spaces and transportation, and ensures rights across sectors.

It sets aside at least five per cent of market stalls for people with disabilities and exempts assistive devices from taxes and levies.

In education, the law guarantees inclusive learning environments that include accommodations tailored to the needs of students with disabilities. It mandates safeguards in the delivery of healthcare to people with disabilities, as well as free medical rehabilitation services.

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