President William Ruto and Senator Crystal Asige during the signing of the Disability Law / CRYSTAL ASIGE XSenator Crystal Asige has hailed the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Bill as a landmark victory for inclusion, equality, and justice.
Speaking after the Bill became law on May 8, 2025, Asige said it replaces the outdated 2003 Act and introduces transformative measures aligned with the Constitution.
“This law guarantees the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. It is a historic and transformative moment for our nation,” she said, adding that full implementation will bring real and tangible change.
Employers of persons with disabilities and institutions that support them will receive tax incentives.
Health facilities will be required to establish disability desks, provide sign language-trained staff for deaf patients, and employ professionals trained in disability-specific care.
The law also mandates public and private institutions to comply with ICT accessibility standards and introduces penalties for discrimination and exploitation of persons with disabilities, including harsh fines and prison terms.
In addition, accessibility audits will now be conducted by registered auditors to ensure that buildings, transport, and public services meet inclusive standards.
“This law goes beyond rights, it creates systems to protect them,” Asige noted, urging continuous commitment to enforcement and awareness.
The new PWD law complements two other legislative initiatives: the Learners with Disabilities Bill and the Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) Bill.
The former seeks to ensure equal access to quality education for learners with disabilities, requiring both national and county governments to invest in inclusive infrastructure, teacher training, and support services.
The KSL Bill grants legal recognition to Kenyan Sign Language and mandates its use in courts and public service delivery. It also requires the government to promote sign language education, create a national register of interpreters, and develop a KSL action plan.“These reforms represent Kenya’s most ambitious disability rights agenda in history,” Asige said.
She also thanked Parliament and disability rights advocates for their support, saying, “Together, we have laid the foundation for a more inclusive future for every Kenyan living with a disability.”
