The Kenya Disability Parliamentary Association has collaborated with members of Kenya Inclusive Political Parties Programme to agitate for the welfare of persons living with disability in Parliament.
The KIPP Programme seeks to ensure that disability issues are prioritised in Kenya's political agenda.
KEDIPA chairperson Tim Wanyonyi said persons with disabilities have been excluded in a lot of political processes.
"How do you explain that 22 counties in Kenya didn’t nominate members of county assemblies (MCAs) with disabilities after the 2022 elections? These are the real issues that this country should reflect about and take tangible action," he said.
"We can’t exclude millions of persons with disabilities from our political processes and talk about democracy,” Wanyonyi added.
The organisation seeks to bolster the capacity of political parties, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), State actors and parliamentary caucuses.
The two groups held a meeting on Friday that sought to discuss a partnership engagement framework.
The meeting was attended by members of the Technical Working Group that is steering the KIPP Programme.
The meeting was led by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD).
The framework will elevate the disability agenda in Parliament and promote disability inclusion in political parties and political processes.
Westminster Foundation for Democracy Country Director said the Programme is committed to working closely with KEDIPA to make disability inclusion in our politics a reality.
"We look forward to collectively pushing for inclusive laws and policies to bolster the dignity and welfare of persons with disabilities in Kenya.”
The meeting was attended by KEDIPA members led by the Association’s chairperson, Tim Wanyonyi, vice chairperson Jackson Kosgei and Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia.
The KIPP Programme was represented by WFD Country Director Maureen Oduor, KIPP Programme chairperson Taabu Daniels and other senior members in the disability sector and political parties.
KEDIPA is a caucus of legislators with disabilities and legislators with children and siblings with disabilities.
