Westlands MP Calls for Greater Employment of Persons with Disabilities in Public Service

NAIROBI — Westlands Member of Parliament, Tim Wanyonyi, has expressed concern over the inadequate employment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the public sector, despite legal requirements for their representation. Speaking at the Wheelchair Day celebrations at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) on Friday, Wanyonyi highlighted the low number of PWDs currently employed within the public service. He stressed the need for the full implementation of laws designed to ensure PWDs have equal employment opportunities.

According to Kenya News Agency, ending discrimination against PWDs in the job market requires strict adherence to existing legislation mandating their representation in public sector employment. He suggested that all ministries and organizations, both at the national and county levels, should adopt disability employment policies to increase the visibility and participation of PWDs in the workforce. Additionally, Wanyonyi praised the appointment of Isaac Mwaura as the government spokesman, recognizing it as a positive step towards acknowledging the presence and contributions of PWDs in society.

Wanyonyi further recommended prioritizing appointive positions over elective ones for PWDs, acknowledging the challenges and competitive nature of politics that make elective positions less accessible to them. He emphasized the need to focus on appointive roles to meet the constitutional mandate of a 5% representation of PWDs.

The event also saw more than 90 PWDs receiving wheelchairs. One of the beneficiaries, Gakure Njaria, shared the difficulties faced by PWDs in securing jobs, even after performing well in interviews and meeting all qualifications. Dr. Mwangi Matheri, leader of the JKUAT Wheelchair and Learning Centre project, encouraged the recipients not to sell the wheelchairs but to use them for their intended purpose, enhancing their mobility and independence.

Dr. Matheri concluded by urging for a commitment to not only talk about disability mainstreaming but also to practice inclusion of PWDs in all aspects of life, including education, employment, and social integration.