The government has underscored its unwavering commitment to ensuring full digital inclusion for persons with disabilities by making all digitised public services on the eCitizen platform accessible to all.
Speaking at the official opening of the 6th Inclusive Africa Conference in Nairobi, the Cabinet Secretary for ICT and Digital Economy, William Kabogo reaffirmed the ministry’s determination to make over 33,000 government services already digitised on eCitizen fully accessible.
To support this agenda, the ministry will work closely with global tech firms, local innovators, and organisations representing persons with disabilities. Central to this effort is the rollout of the Accessibility Standard for Digital Products, which is already influencing how services are designed and delivered.
“We are determined to equip at least 20 million Kenyans with digital literacy skills by 2027, including individuals who are blind, deaf, or living with mobility, cognitive, or learning disabilities,” CS Kabogo noted.
On his part, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Social Services and Senior, Joseph Motari reiterated that bridging gaps in digital and physical infrastructure is not a luxury but a priority noting that leveraging assistive technologies will empower persons with disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of society.
“Digital accessibility is not a luxury; it is a right and an essential pillar of our national development.” Stressed PS Motari, “Our priority is not only to bridge the remaining gaps in both physical and digital infrastructure but also to leverage emerging technologies and cutting-edge assistive innovations. ”
“Through these efforts, we aim to empower persons with disabilities in Kenya to lead independent, productive, and dignified lives, fully participating in every aspect of our society.” He said.
The Government Spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura affirmed Kenya’s position as one of Africa’s most progressive nations in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities.
He highlighted that the 2010 Constitution guarantees their rights and ensures access to employment and government procurement opportunities.
To further promote inclusion, he announced that his office will soon launch an Inclusive Communications Program to make Government communications fully accessible and responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities.
Founder and Executive Director of inABLE, Irene Mbari-Kirika who are the organisers of the conference, emphasised that digital accessibility is not a one-time fix, but an ongoing, evolving process that must be embedded from the outset and throughout every stage of the product development cycle.
She called on developers and owners of digital products and services to prioritise accessibility as an integral part of design and innovation, ensuring that no person with a disability is left behind in the digital age.
Director of Strategic Partnerships and Innovation at the Mastercard Foundation, Dina Randrianasolo emphasised that digital accessibility is fundamental to education, employment, and the full participation of young people across Africa.
“More than 135 million people on the continent require assistive technologies ranging from screen readers and mobility aids to hearing devices and accessible software yet only 3pc currently have access,” she noted, underscoring the urgent need to accelerate digital inclusion efforts.
The three day Inclusive Africa Conference is dedicated to advancing digital inclusion for persons with disabilities, with a strong emphasis on making financial services, education, skills development, employment, brand communication, and transportation more accessible.
It also explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence as a catalyst for inclusive innovation.
The conference further aims to bring together key stakeholders including government, industry, and civil society to collaboratively develop a joint roadmap for the accelerated implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, with digital inclusion at its core.
Also read https://www.kbc.co.ke/government-cites-digital-inclusion-as-enabler-for-pwds-to-access-jobs/
