A planned State House engagement between President William Ruto and persons with disabilities has drawn criticism over accessibility and inclusion gaps in the recruitment process.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Nominated Senator Crystal Asige, who represents persons with disabilities and special interest groups, raised concerns over recruitment lists that have circulated within the disability community in recent weeks.

She flagged that applying the same approach used for other groups could create accessibility barriers and limit meaningful dialogue.

“To be clear, this approach is extremely flawed, and those charged with this idea must seriously reflect on what accessible and inclusive engagements with the disability community actually look like,” she wrote in a statement.

📌 What You Need to Know

Asige also noted that some persons with disabilities were reportedly being asked to register for the proposed engagement without the caregivers and personal assistants who support them.

She emphasised that caregivers often provide essential support and, in some cases, help advocate for the needs of the persons they assist.

The senator called for the engagement to accommodate the different accessibility, mobility and communication needs of persons with disabilities, arguing that such exclusion could limit the ability of some participants to attend and contribute effectively.

She further urged those organising the meeting to ensure that participation is meaningful and accessible rather than treating inclusion as an afterthought.

The concerns have also been echoed by groups within the disability community, with the Nyeri PwDs Forum saying some of its members were unaware of the reported recruitment exercise.

It called for the recruitment process to be open and inclusive if the planned meeting with the President is taking place.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke