{
  "id": 5786617,
  "title": "Kericho calls for stronger disability inclusion and support",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/kericho-calls-for-stronger-disability-inclusion-and-support",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-05T14:38:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "KBC",
    "slug": "kbc",
    "url": "https://www.kbc.co.ke/kericho-calls-for-stronger-disability-inclusion-and-support/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Government efforts to support individuals with disabilities in Kericho have advanced, but greater implementation of existing programmes is required to ensure full benefits. At a recent event, Philip Muge, the National Ambassador for Human Rights and People with Disabilities, praised the progress made through disability legislations and government social programs. However, he emphasized the need for stronger implementation at the county level.\n\nMuge highlighted the Presidential Disability Act of 2025 as a significant step toward enhancing the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities. He urged policymakers to build upon this legislation by ensuring its provisions are fully executed, particularly the five percent employment provision for people with disabilities. This, according to Muge, would enable more individuals to secure jobs, engage in the economy, and lead independent lives.\n\nHe also commended the government's efforts to provide assistive devices but cautioned that authorities should ensure these devices are durable, appropriate, and tailored to the specific needs of individual users. Muge urged county governments to involve persons with disabilities in the planning and procurement of assistive devices, emphasizing that their participation would help ensure that the equipment effectively addresses their challenges.\n\nIn Kericho, one priority is the installation of a Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) machine at the county’s Level Five Hospital. Muge explained that this equipment would enhance hearing assessments, reducing the need for residents to travel to external facilities for specialized services. He also pointed out the importance of strengthening local assessment services to make the process more accessible and affordable, especially for individuals seeking official registration as persons with disabilities.\n\nEducation was another area where Muge believes existing government support should be expanded. While bursaries are available for learners in special schools, he called for full funding to provide greater support for children with disabilities and their families. Muge also acknowledged the rollout of government social programs, such as those by the Social Health Authority (SHA), but urged authorities to ensure these initiatives address the unique needs of persons with disabilities by expanding SHA coverage to include assistive devices and related services.\n\nMuge concluded by urging national and county governments to build upon the progress already made and ensure that persons with disabilities are included in decision-making processes. He stressed that stronger implementation, better access to specialized services, inclusive planning, and adequate financing are essential to ensure that persons with disabilities fully benefit from government programs and the rights intended to improve their welfare.",
  "summary": "Government efforts to support persons with disabilities have continued to open opportunities for inclusion, but stronger implementation of existing programmes is needed to ensure PWDs benefit fully. Speaking in Kericho, Philip Muge, National Ambassador for Human Rights and People with Disabilities, welcomed progress made through disability legislations and government social programmes, while…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}