Launch of Kenya Disability Report: From Norm to Practice

The launch of a report “From Norm to Practice” was held on 23rd September 2014 at the Intercontinental Nairobi. Participants included representatives of Disabled Peoples Organizations, high ranking government officials, Diplomats and representatives of international disability NGOs and UN agencies based in Nairobi.

Inclusion Africa was represented at the launch by the Coordinator, Shikuku Obosi. The report evaluates the extent to which the State of Kenya has fulfilled its obligations to protect, promote and fulfil the rights of persons with disabilities. It presents findings from 12 counties, which were monitored during the period 2011-2013, and other topical research conducted during the same period, including the Briefing on Legal Capacity for Persons with Disabilities in Kenya. The monitoring establishes that there are positive steps towards realization of human rights of persons with disabilities; however, significant gaps still exist in access to infrastructure, health services, education, work and employment, inclusion in community life, political participation, access to justice the exercise of legal capacity, especially for people with intellectual disabilities. The gaps point to either slow, poor or in some cases, failure in the implementation of national policies and laws, stereotyping and harmful cultural practices.