PWDs push for disabled woman CS in Ruto cabinet

People living with disabilities have asked President William Ruto to appoint one disabled woman to the position of Cabinet Secretary.

Speaking at the University of Nairobi yesterday during celebrations to mark Youth Day, the disabled through the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK) Sally Nduta said that the position of the Cabinet Secretary for gender should be given to a disabled woman.

She added that the constitution offers a powerful framework on the inclusion of persons with disabilities in governance and decision-making. After reconstituting his Cabinet by bring on board ODM members, President Ruto is yet to fill the position of East African Community.

"The constitution addresses inclusivity by providing for the appointment of persons with disabilities in public office as well as their representation in parliament and county assemblies," said Nduta

She cited Article 54 (2) of the Constitution which obligates the State to ensure that at least five per cent of elective and appointive positions are held by disabled people.

According to Nduta, about 10 per cent of Kenyans have disabilities and many of them remain highly marginalised and face numerous barriers to service provision that affect their participation in society just like other people.

She was of the view that to ensure the needs of persons with disabilities are addressed while building an inclusive culture where disability inclusion becomes a norm, sufficient representation must be from persons with disabilities across the governance structure.

Nduta emphasised that representation of governance by disabled persons should start at cabinet level spreading to other arms of government. 

"A Cabinet Secretary with disabilities in the highest spaces of decision-making in the country will be able to advise on matters of inclusion and accessibility to people living with disabilities," she noted.

Nduta proposed names of women with disabilities that Dr Ruto should consider for appointment. They include former Principal Secretary Josephat Mukobe, Regina Chumba, Jemima Kutata (UDA Disability League coordinator), Penny Kaburu, Alice Munala, Rahab Siranga, Mildred Imino and Faith Njahira Wangare.

"Indeed a nation is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable members. Governance and decision-making are incomplete without the face of persons with disabilities," she added.