Nairobi: Nyeri Woman Representative, Rahab Mukami, has called on the Nyeri County Government to exempt all taxes and levies for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in accordance with the 2022 Nyeri Disability Act.

According to Kenya News Agency, Mukami criticized the current process that requires PWDs to undergo a lengthy vetting process to obtain a tax and levy waiver certificate. She emphasized that the intent behind these exemptions is to provide relief to PWDs, and the prolonged procedure undermines the support they are supposed to receive.

The 2022 Nyeri Disability Act grants the Nyeri County Government the authority to waive certain county fees for PWDs, such as single business permits and market fees. However, beneficiaries must be registered with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and formally apply for the waiver.

Mukami urged Nyeri County to be a pioneer in fully implementing the Act's provisions to empower PWDs, allowing them to engage in economic activities and support their families. She made these remarks at the PCEA Muhito church in Mukurwe-ini during International Day for PWDs celebrations, where she donated wheelchairs, mattresses, blankets, food items, and charcoal jikos to the PWD community.

The PWD community in Nyeri echoed Mukami's sentiment, advocating for stronger government support in implementing disability-related laws. They highlighted that while efforts are being made to support them, many critical needs remain unmet.

John Kabatha, a member of the Nyeri Disability Network, called for more inclusive decision-making, urging both county and national governments to consult with PWDs when prioritizing needs. He stressed that the current support tends to focus on one form of disability and called for diversified assistance.

Kabatha also emphasized the need for inclusive and gender-sensitive budgeting for special interest groups, warning that current initiatives often focus only on women with disabilities and neglect men, which can lead to mental health issues.

Anthony Njagi, a visually impaired teacher, appealed to the NCPWD to ensure compliance with the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, which mandates at least 5 percent representation of PWDs in public service. He noted that PWDs are often overlooked in employment and promotion despite being qualified.

Njagi urged that both employment and promotion opportunities reflect the law's provisions, emphasizing that PWDs should receive equal treatment in the workforce to ensure fair representation.