Persons with disabilities constitute just 1.4 percent of all jobs in the public service, Labor Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore has disclosed.
This is, however, against the Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) Act which requires that five percent of available slots in private and public should be reserved for the group.
Appearing Wednesday on the floor of the Senate, Bore said this was based on the latest annual report by the Public Service Commission.
Bore told the senators that the current provision is weak on enforcement of the employment requirement.
Defending herself, the Ministry she noted, has since developed the PWDs Bill 2023, currently before the National Assembly for deliberations.
"The Bill proposes under section 73 for appointment of an inspector who will ensure enforcement of the provisions of the Act in totality," she submitted.
"Additionally, the Bill provides for the establishment of a disability mainstreaming unit, which is under section 73 (1) (b) to be able to carry out regular inspections to ensure implementation and compliance with the provisions of the Act."
The CS had appeared to respond to questions by nominated senator George Mbugua.
Mbugua wanted the CS to provide a report on all PWDs employed in the public sector, and indicate the level of compliance with the law, which requires the reservation of 5 percent of all casual, emergency, and contractual positions for PWDs.
The Senator had also petitioned the CS to explain the measures taken by the government to create public awareness to help combat stigma and ableism targeted at PWDs as required by the Act.
