President William Ruto has signed the Persons with Disabilities Bill 2025 into law at State House, advancing the rights of people with disabilities in Kenya.

The Bill was co-sponsored by Senator Crystal Asige and the Leader of the Majority Party, Kimani Ichung’wah.

 It was passed by the Senate on February 1, 2025, and subsequently approved by the National Assembly on March 16, 2025.

“The Bill affirms the rights of persons with disabilities to education, healthcare, and political participation,” said Ruto during the signing ceremony on Wednesday, May 8.

 He added that the law will ensure better access to employment, education, and social services for individuals living with disabilities.

The Bill, which replaces the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2003, is described as comprehensive and progressive.

It aims to eliminate systemic barriers faced by people with disabilities and enhance their inclusion in all sectors of society.

 One of the key provisions is the restructuring of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, which will play a central role in implementing the law.

At the same time, the law includes stronger protections against discrimination and mandates affirmative action measures across sectors.

Ruto stressed the importance of collective action for the law’s success, calling for contributions from the national and county governments, civil society, and the private sector. “The real work now begins,” he noted.

The law also includes economic safeguards, such as exemptions and incentives for persons with disabilities to promote their financial resilience.

Ruto further directed the Public Service Commission (PSC) to reinstate the Disability Mainstreaming Performance Indicator in performance contracts, ensuring that disability inclusion is evaluated in public sector institutions.