Pass pending legislation on Persons With Disability - Knut tells State

Knut was among the first public institutions that mainstreamed PWDs in the leadership structure.

In Summary
  • Langat said PWDs have waited for far too long because the bill review began long time ago and is still pending.

  • He said the bills ought to be passed to promote rights of persons Living with Disabilities.

KNUT 1st Vice National Chairman Malel Langat (third left) with other officials after planting tree seedlings at Greenwood Resort in Eldoret
KNUT 1st Vice National Chairman Malel Langat (third left) with other officials after planting tree seedlings at Greenwood Resort in Eldoret
Image: HANDOUT

The Kenya National Union First Vice National Chairman Malel Langat has called on the government to promote the welfare of persons with disability(PWD). 

Langat noted that Knut was among the first public institutions that mainstreamed Persons With Disability (PWD)in the leadership structure. 

"Cognisant of the fact that not all our learning institutions have environmentally friendly and disability compliant facilities, we continue advocating and agitating for the rights of teachers and learners with disabilities as enshrined in Article 54 of the Constitution of Kenya," the Knut official said. 

Langat said PWDs have a right to a safe working environment and enabling working and learning facilities. 

He said lack of this causes quite a number of challenges in their line of duty/learning adding that the union is engaging the employer and other stakeholders to address the challenges.

"Our elected officials on this constituency are soon being trained on how to handle these areas effectively and we shall have them cascade these trainings to our members as Training Of Trainers(TOTs)," Langat said. 

He spoke over the weekend during Knut Chepkoilel branch executive committee (BECs) members' induction training held at Greenwood Resort in Eldoret. 

Additionally, Langat passionately urged MPs to pass pending legislation on Persons With Disability.

He said the union has for the umpteenth time raised concern over the slow enactment of disability laws.

He lamented that the government, instead of enacting laws for PWDs, is busy fast-tracking other Amendment Bills with some being punitive while others retrogressive. 

"The government is busy fast-tracking Amendment Bills in the labour, education and TSC sectors but delays PWD legislations hence affecting the realisation of rights of challenged persons and Learners With impairments," he said. 

Langat said PWDs have waited for far too long because the bill review began a long time ago and is still pending.

He said the bills ought to be passed to promote the rights of persons Living with Disabilities.

"Members of the National Assembly should as a matter of urgency spearhead the process and progress of passing the Disability Bill 2023 and other draft laws which include but are not limited to Learners With Disabilities Bill and Sign Language Bill," Langat said. 

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