Kitale: Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have been urged to embrace digital platforms and familiarize themselves with online political information to enhance their participation in the country's democratic processes. Speaking during the commemoration of the Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) in Kitale, Regional Coordinator Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) for West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, and Turkana counties, Serah Wachira, highlighted the necessity of creating inclusive digital platforms that cater to all users regardless of their abilities.
According to Kenya News Agency, Wachira emphasized the importance of sensitizing PWDs to access information on digital platforms, explaining that this will enable them to make informed decisions in the 2027 General Election. The event, organized in partnership with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and other stakeholders, advocated for equal access to digital information for PWDs under the theme 'Design, Develop, and Deliver' and gathered participants from the 25 wards in Trans Nzoia.
Wachira stated, "As an office, we felt it was important to empower PWDs with knowledge on how to access political information through digital platforms. This will enable them to actively participate in the electoral process and exercise their democratic rights effectively." She also shared that ORPP has adapted its website with accessibility features, urging other government bodies to follow suit, and noted that valuable proposals from participants would help shape ORPP's operations regarding PWDs.
Participants, led by Lucy Maseti, expressed concerns about the lack of representation of PWDs in the Trans Nzoia County Assembly. Maseti pointed out that while PWDs are often included in party nomination lists, they frequently fail to secure representation during the final selection process. She appealed to the ORPP to support their request for fair representation in future elections.
Bernard Masioge from NCPWD expressed that the sensitization program aims to ensure PWDs are not left behind in accessing critical political and civic information. He lamented that the county had lacked PWD representation in the Assembly for the past five years and called for the establishment of structures, laws, and policies to guarantee their inclusion in governance.
Participants urged government institutions, political parties, and private organizations to prioritize accessibility in digital spaces to ensure equal access to information and services for all citizens.