NAIROBI, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Kenya will enact robust policies and legislation to advance the welfare of an estimated 3.5 million people living with disabilities in the country, officials said on Thursday.
Ukur Yatani, the Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, said both the central and county governments have agreed to mainstream the disability agenda in policies that seek to promote inclusive growth and cohesion.
"We are on the final stages of enacting a national disability policy while our new constitution is promoting the rights and welfare of this demographic," Yatani said.
He spoke in Nairobi during a briefing on the forthcoming global disability summit to be co-hosted by the Kenya and British Governments in London on July 24.
Yatani said Kenya will push for elevation of the global disability agenda at the London Summit through enactment of affirmative action legislation, partnerships and robust financing of empowerment programs for people living with physical impairments.
"Kenya has an elaborate plan to engage the international community and explore innovative ways to empower persons living with disabilities. They deserve quality education, employment, health and social protection," said Yatani.
He added that engagement with the private sector is key to ensure the disabled persons have access to technology that would help them perform basic tasks like reading.
Susan Mochache, the Principal Secretary in the State Department of Social Protection, said new laws are required to address stigma and discrimination meted on physically disabled people.
"We need tough legislation to curb violation of the rights of disabled people. They are a reservoir of skills and talent that can be harnessed to propel this country forward," said Mochache. Enditem
