Former Migori Woman Representative Dennita Ghati has renewed calls for county governments across Kenya to urgently begin enforcing the newly enacted Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, as frustration among Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) continues to mount over persistent neglect and slow progress in reforms meant to improve their lives.
Speaking at Migori Primary School during celebrations marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Ghati—one of the country’s most influential disability rights advocates—expressed disappointment that counties, including Migori, have failed to operationalise the law months after its enactment.
She noted that while Kenya has made significant strides in establishing a strong legal framework, county administrations have lagged behind, leaving PWDs feeling abandoned by systems meant to protect them.
Ghati, who is eyeing the Migori senatorial seat in 2027, used the occasion to underscore her commitment to disability rights as a central pillar of her political agenda.
Her appeal came amidst concerns by civil society groups led by Titus Orwa who noted that PWDs are not passive beneficiaries of charity but active citizens, innovators and contributors whose potential strengthens Kenya’s fabric.
Mr Orwa urged counties to enforce Section 5 of the Act, which places clear responsibilities on devolved units to develop disability-inclusive laws, enforce accessibility standards, ensure participation of PWDs in governance, and guarantee access to infrastructure, public services and information without discrimination.
At the event, the atmosphere reflected deep frustration from PWDs who feel invisible in county programmes.
Several participants accused the county government of sidelining them and making little effort to address longstanding challenges such as inaccessible public buildings, the lack of disability-friendly sanitation facilities, and the absence of representation in county appointments.
Many also lamented delayed disability fund disbursements and insufficient economic empowerment initiatives.
Millicent Atieno, an attendee at the event, said most government offices in Migori remain physically inaccessible, making it impossible for PWDs to obtain services or attend public participation forums.
“We are only remembered during events like this,” she said. “When real decisions are being made, we are nowhere at the table.”
Another participant, John Odira, expressed frustration that disability issues are often treated as political accessories rather than urgent priorities. “PWDs in Migori feel invisible,” he said. “Our concerns are buried under politics, and no one seems in a hurry to fix the problems that affect us daily.”
Ghati echoed these sentiments, emphasising that Kenya’s progressive laws mean little if county governments fail to translate them into meaningful action.
She said the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, is not a symbolic gesture but a binding legal commitment designed to ensure dignity, equal opportunity and protection for PWDs across all sectors.
She called for disability inclusion to be mainstreamed in county planning, budgeting, hiring and service delivery, arguing that PWDs have been forced to wait too long for reforms that should already be in place.
“Persons with disabilities are not objects of sympathy; they are citizens, leaders, workers and innovators whose potential enriches our communities,” she said. “Counties cannot continue dragging their feet. The dignity and rights of PWDs cannot be an afterthought,” she said.
Responding to the criticism, Migori County Gender Chief Officer Professor Rose Ogwang defended the county administration, saying that significant steps were already being taken even though challenges persist.
She insisted that Migori was moving in the right direction and had begun laying the groundwork for more inclusive policies. “We may not have reached every milestone, but it is inaccurate to say nothing is happening,” she said.
“This county has initiated programmes aimed at improving accessibility, strengthening social protection and ensuring that PWDs are included in key development processes.”
Prof. Ogwang added that the county is reviewing its disability mainstreaming framework to align fully with the new Act and has already begun piloting accessibility audits in select public offices. She also noted that Migori is scaling up the distribution of assistive devices in partnership with national agencies and NGOs.
“Migori is committed to doing better,” she said. “We hear the concerns raised, and this feedback will guide our next steps. Our goal is to build a county where PWDs are not just beneficiaries but equal partners in governance and development.”
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