The Senator, who co-sponsored the Persons with Disabilities Bill (Senate Bill No. 7 of 2023) alongside the Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, said she is looking forward to the day President William Ruto assents to the Bill.
“On April 3, 2025, my disability bill passed through all stages in Parliament. I am very happy, I am so excited — congratulations to all of us,” she said in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“Tupatane
State House for its assent into law.”
The Bill seeks to give effect to Article 54 of the Constitution by restructuring the National Council for Persons with Disabilities and outlining its functions and powers.
It also establishes an institutional framework for protecting, promoting, and monitoring the rights of persons with disabilities while providing for various incentives and reliefs.
These
include tax reliefs for employees with disabilities and tax exemptions on
materials and equipment imported for use by persons with disabilities.
Previously, people living with disability have protested over the lack of clear guidelines for access to various reliefs by the government.
Additionally, the legislation introduces tax incentives for donations, bequests, and subsidies made for the benefit of persons with disabilities.
Employers who
incur expenses to make reasonable accommodations in their premises for
employees with disabilities will also qualify for tax exemptions.
The Bill repeals the Persons with Disabilities Act, No. 14 of 2003, replacing it with a law that aligns with the current Constitution.
It places a strong emphasis on a human rights-based approach to realizing the rights of persons with disabilities in Kenya, highlighting society's shared responsibility to protect and promote their inclusion and well-being.
Following the approval of the Bill, President William Ruto is expected to either sign it into law or refer it back to Parliament in case he has issues with it.
