Social Protection Committee Reviews Key Amendments to Persons with Disability Bill


Thursday, September 26, 2024
Parliament Buildings, Nairobi — The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Social Protection convened today to review and discuss proposed amendments to the Persons with Disability (PWD) Bill. The meeting featured input from the Nairobi Disability Forum, which offered crucial insights aimed at enhancing the legislative framework protecting the rights of persons with disabilities in Kenya.
A significant proposal from the Nairobi Disability Forum focused on removing the term “illness” from the Bill’s definition of disability. The Forum advocates for a transition from a medical-based approach to a rights-based perspective in defining disabilities. “We are thinking of moving from a medical-based approach to define disability to a rights-based approach,” a Forum representative stated.
This proposal sparked discussion among committee members, with Hon. James Nyikal raising concerns about the potential implications of omitting “illness” from the definition. “What about if someone has a long-term illness that can be treated in the long run? Does it only become a disability when there’s no other treatment possible?” he questioned, underscoring the need for clarity on the categorization of chronic conditions under the new definition.
Another key amendment under consideration involved replacing the term “assistive devices” with “assistive technology.” Hon. Alice Ng’ang’a, Chairperson of the Committee, expressed concern that this change might limit the support available to persons with disabilities. “Won’t this affect the kind of support that PWDs can be given because of the technology?” she asked.
In response, the Nairobi Disability Forum clarified that the intention is to broaden the scope of support by including new technologies while retaining existing assistive devices. “We then add and not replace,” the Forum representative explained.
The Committee acknowledged the importance of these proposals and committed to continuing stakeholder engagement. “We will engage until we finish with the Bill,” Chairperson Alice Ng’ang’a assured, highlighting the need for a thorough review process. The Disability Forum was requested to return for further consultations in two weeks.
This ongoing dialogue represents a critical step in ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are fully protected and reinforced through effective legislation.