People living with disability call for inclusion in state appointments

Nothern Kenya Disability chairman Hafid Maalim.[Samson Wire, Standard]

A section of people living with disability from the Arid and Semi-Arid regions have pleaded with President William Ruto to consider them in state appointments.

 Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, August 22, the group led by  Nothern Kenya Disability chairman Hafid Maalim said that the president had failed to fulfill his 2022 campaign promises of inclusivity and equity.

"We are not considered and acknowledged in our capacity as Kenyans, and our only problem is that we live with disability," said Maalim.

The group consisted of persons drawn from Mandera, Isiolo, Wajir, Garissa, and parts of Nairobi.

"Disability is not a crime. we have an idea and are willing to contribute in any way to the prosperity of our country," Maalim added.

 Maalim further criticised the government for failing to implement existing laws citing the provision to ensure 30 per cent of procurement opportunities are given to women, youth, and persons with disability.

Their concerns come amidst ongoing state appointments since the president reshuffled the cabinet.

Since the reshuffle, the president has made new appointments to cabinet and other state positions incorporating men and women but has not included any person living with disability.

A member of the group also cited the recent appointments marking them as “marginalised’

“We have seen recent appointments which did not include any disabled people. We are demanding that the President consider appointing some of us in one of the state jobs,” commented a member.

The group said they would consider taking legal action to push the government to honour the constitution’s provision on just and fair representation.