The ORPP was central in facilitating a round-table discussion forum held on12th July 2024 in Nairobi to discuss inclusive initiatives for People with Disabilities. The forum was organized by United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK) and the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (CDPF). Key focus of the session was to evaluate the progress and challenges made in implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in Kenya the different players.
Speaking as a lead panelist, the Registrar of Political Parties, Ann Nderitu CBS, emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the legal framework to ensure greater inclusion of People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in governing bodies, and operations of political parties .
“We must continuously provide capacity-building initiatives for party officials to advocate for the formation of PWDs caucuses, mobilize them to participate in electoral activities, and promote synergy among stakeholder bodies to realize their political rights,” said the Registrar, outlining ORPP`s initiatives to enhance the inclusion of PWDs.
The Registrar while speaking on gaps in enhancing the representation of persons with disabilities in political processes outlined the ORPP’s dedication to advocating for the rights of marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities. She highlighted the Constitutional provisions that promotes inclusion of PWDs. She however, decried the existential legal and under representation that continue to fall short of the threshold of the Constitution. She pointed out key proposals to mitigate such shortfalls as contained in ORPP’s 2022 Post-Election Evaluation Report and other taskforces. Some of them being legal reform and enhancing affirmative action interventions. Building on marginal gains (increase of number of candidates with disabilities from 60 in 2017 to 127 in the 2022 election was seen necessary).
Stakeholders present also discussed additional measures such as social protection, skills provision, adequate funding, creating PWD-friendly environments and supporting civic education programs to uphold the rights of PWDs in Kenya as per the convention.
The meeting organizers called for government’s support in preparation for adoption of a Disability Inclusion Strategy scheduled for discussions during a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled for October this year. The forum made crucial steps towards a more inclusive political landscape in Kenya, aligning with the global commitments of the UNCRPD. The ORPP’s participation was coordinated by the Resource Center which has also been designated as a disability desk at ORPP.