All government institutions must ensure inclusion of persons living with disability, according to President William Ruto.
Consequently, Ruto who spoke at State House in Nairobi on Thursday, May 8, directed the reinstatement of the Disability Mainstreaming Performance Indicator in performance contracts to aide push for the inclusivity.
President Ruto, who made the remarks when he assented to the Persons with Disabilities Bill 2025, said return of the indicators will be crucial in holding institutions accountable for the inclusivity of persons living with disabilities.
"As part of our efforts to strengthen disability inclusion in the public sector, I direct the Public Service Performance Management Unit at the Public Service Commission to reinstate the Disability Mainstreaming Performance Indicator in performance contracts," Ruto said.
Added the President: "This indicator is crucial for evaluating and holding institutions accountable for their inclusivity, making disability mainstreaming a measurable and essential component of institutional performance."
The Disability Mainstreaming Performance Indicator in performance contracts is a metric used by the government (and other institutions that use performance contracting) to assess how well public institutions integrate disability inclusion into their operations, policies, and service delivery.
Key components assessed under this indicator include the physical accessibility of buildings and facilities, the use of inclusive communication methods such as braille and sign language, and the recruitment and retention of persons with disabilities.
It also covers training and sensitization of staff on disability issues, provision of necessary assistive devices, and consistent monitoring and reporting on progress in disability mainstreaming.
By implementing this performance measure, institutions will be required to align with the requirements of the Constitution, the Persons with Disabilities Act, and international frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
The inclusion of the indicator will help promote equity, dignity, and full participation of persons with disabilities in national development.
Meanwhile, the Persons with Disabilities Bill 2025, sponsored by Nominated Senator Crystal Asige, marks a significant step forward in protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Kenya.
The legislation guarantees PWDs access to education, employment, healthcare, political participation, and inclusive environments.
Replacing the outdated Persons with Disabilities Act of 2003, the new law also introduces economic incentives designed to enhance the resilience of PWDs and reduce their vulnerability. It reflects a modern, rights-based approach to disability inclusion and empowerment.
