By Dennis Muritu
The United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK) is calling for stronger partnerships and inclusive policies to address financial constraints, stigma, employment opportunities, and gender-based violence affecting persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Speaking in an interview, the UDPK CEO Sally Nduta emphasized the organization’s financial challenges and the need for partnerships to sustain its ambitious strategic plan.
A previously approved partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was put on hold due to new executive orders by the U.S. government.
Despite this, UDPK remains optimistic, with Nduta stating, “We have not lost hope. In the meantime, we are working with other partners, including the private sector, to ensure disability inclusion remains a priority.”
Tackling Stigma and Discrimination
One of UDPK’s core mandates is awareness creation to combat stigma and discrimination against persons with disabilities. The organization conducts workshops at national and community levels, engaging PWDs, families, caregivers, and community members to change perceptions.
“We need to remove barriers—communication barriers, physical accessibility barriers, and lack of reasonable accommodation—so that persons with disabilities can fully participate in society,” Sally noted.
Employment and Economic Inclusion
To promote workplace inclusion, UDPK has been actively engaging employers, including Safaricom, East African Breweries, and Coca-Cola Beverages, among others. These engagements focus on demonstrating that PWDs are not just job seekers but also potential consumers, and businesses stand to gain from including them in their workforce.
Kenya’s Constitution mandates that at least 5% of employment opportunities be reserved for qualified persons with disabilities. UDPK is working closely with the Kenya Business and Disability Network, chaired by Safaricom, to ensure compliance.
“Young people with disabilities are well-educated and tech-savvy. Many are leveraging digital technology, content creation, and online employment to secure economic opportunities. However, they need access to training and employment opportunities,” the CEO said.
To bridge this gap, UDPK collaborates with institutions such as the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) to equip PWDs with IT and employability skills, ensuring they meet industry demands.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence
She also raised concerns over the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in Kenya, which disproportionately affect women and girls with disabilities. However, she emphasized that PWDs can also be perpetrators, making it a societal issue that requires a multi-stakeholder approach.
“We need to enforce laws, strengthen law enforcement sensitization, and expand recovery centers beyond Nairobi. Most importantly, we must create safe spaces where people can openly discuss and report GBV cases,” the CEO urged.
A call was also made for bystander intervention, with Nduta expressing disappointment over how society often films violent incidents instead of stepping in to help.
A Call to Action
As UDPK continues its advocacy, the CEO stressed the need for collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and civil society to ensure full inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society.
“We do not have all the solutions, but if every stakeholder plays their part, we can create a society where persons with disabilities achieve their full potential,” the CEO concluded.
