Gov’t aims to make online services accessible for persons with disabilities

ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo on Tuesday committed to making the over 33,000 government services on eCitizen platform accessible for persons with disabilities. This is also through the implementation of the 2022 Kenya Accessibility Standard.

During the opening of the 6th Inclusive Africa Conference in Nairobi, Kabogo the state will drive a digital accessibility agenda through partnerships with leading technology companies and organisations representing persons with disabilities.

“We are determined to equip at least 20 million Kenyans with digital literacy skills by 2027, including individuals who are blind, deaf, or living with mobility, cognitive, or learning disabilities. Digital accessibility is not a luxury; it is a right and an essential pillar of our national development,” Kabogo told the conference.

Joseph Motari, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Social Services and Senior Citizen Affairs, said that, in addition to bridging existing digital divides, the government will also leverage emerging technologies to provide assistive technologies to support the initiative.

“Through these efforts, we aim to empower persons with disabilities in Kenya to lead independent, productive, and dignified lives, fully participating in every aspect of our society,” said Motari.

In a commitment to digital inclusivity, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said his office would unveil an Inclusive Communications Program to make information fully accessible and responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities.

At the conference, Irene Mbari-Kirika, Founder and Executive Director of inABLE called on developers and owners of digital products and services to prioritise accessibility as an integral part of design and innovation. She argued that inclusivity is not a one-time fix but evolving process that must be embedded in the product development cycle.

The 3-day Inclusive Africa Conference organised by inABLE is dedicated to advancing digital inclusion for persons with disabilities, by making financial services, education, skills development, employment, brand communication, and transportation more accessible.

It also explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence as a catalyst for inclusive innovation.

It brings together stakeholders in government, the tech industry, and civil society to develop a joint roadmap for the accelerated implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025.