Barriers to Economic Participation for People with Disabilities in Kenya

Data and Statistics Report

The Center for Social Responsibility and Accountability (CESRA) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development and social accountability across Kenya. Since its establishment, CESRA has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at empowering marginalized communities, particularly through capacity building, economic inclusion, and advocacy for social justice. CESRA’s mission is to foster a society where all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities, can lead dignified lives with equal opportunities.

Project Summary: CESRA Accessible Kiosks Project

CESRA is proud to introduce the CESRA Accessible Kiosks Project, a transformative 6-year initiative designed to empower 600 individuals with disabilities across Kenya. This project will provide movable, accessible fibreglass kiosks to enable beneficiaries to run small retail and grocery businesses. By offering these kiosks, CESRA aims to address the economic and social exclusion faced by people with disabilities, providing them with a sustainable source of income and reducing stigma. Julie Nyaga, CESRA’s Executive Director, underscores the importance of this project:

“The CESRA Accessible Kiosks Project represents a significant step towards economic empowerment and social inclusion for individuals with disabilities. These kiosks are not just physical structures; they are symbols of opportunity and independence. By supporting this project, we are helping to dismantle barriers and create pathways for people with disabilities to participate fully in the economy.”

Barriers to Economic Participation for People with Disabilities in Kenya

Limited Access to Education and Training

Data:

• The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) 2019 Population and Housing Census shows that approximately 2.2% of the population, or about 900,000 individuals, reported having a disability.
• Enrollment rates for children with disabilities in primary schools are lower compared to their peers without disabilities. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) 2020 report, only 45% of children with disabilities were enrolled in primary school.
• Literacy rates among people with disabilities are generally lower. The Kenya Disability Survey (2016) indicated that about 48% of people with disabilities were literate, compared to 79% of the general population.

Impact: Limited access to education and training hinders skill acquisition, which directly affects employability and career advancement opportunities.

Employment Discrimination

Data:

• The Kenya Disability Survey (2016) reported that only 30% of working-age people with disabilities were employed compared to 77% of those without disabilities.
• The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) data indicates an unemployment rate of over 70% among people with disabilities.

Impact: Discrimination in the job market, due to biases and misconceptions, results in lower employment rates and limited career growth opportunities.

Physical Accessibility Issues

Data:

• A 2021 report by the National Council for Persons with Disabilities found that less than 10% of public buildings and facilities in Kenya are fully accessible to people with disabilities.

Impact: Physical barriers such as the lack of ramps, elevators, and adapted facilities restrict the ability of people with disabilities to access workplaces and participate in economic activities.

Lack of Supportive Policies and Legislation

Data:

• Although Kenya has laws like the Persons with Disabilities Act (2003) and the Constitution of Kenya (2010) that promote the rights of people with disabilities, implementation and enforcement are often inadequate.

Impact: Weak enforcement of these policies means that many people with disabilities do not benefit from the legal protections and support intended for them.

Financial Barriers

Data:

• Studies by the World Bank and local NGOs reveal difficulties faced by people with disabilities in accessing financial services and credit. Financial institutions may be reluctant to offer services to this group.

Impact: Limited access to financial resources hampers the ability to start and sustain businesses or invest in economic opportunities.

Social Stigma and Attitudinal Barriers

Data:

• Surveys conducted by local NGOs reveal that over 60% of people with disabilities experience some form of discrimination in employment, education, or public services.

Impact: Negative attitudes and social stigma reinforce cycles of poverty and dependency, excluding individuals with disabilities from economic activities.

Health and Accessibility Challenges

Data:

• Many individuals with disabilities face health challenges requiring specialized care and support. Accessibility to healthcare services can be limited.

Impact: Poor health and inadequate healthcare access affect employment stability and productivity.

Inadequate Support Services

Data:

• There is often a lack of comprehensive support services, including job placement assistance, disability-specific training programs, and assistive technologies.

Impact: Without adequate support, individuals with disabilities struggle to find and retain employment and achieve economic independence.

Recent Studies and Reports

• Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Reports: Offer insights into the socioeconomic status and barriers faced by people with disabilities.
• World Bank Reports: Highlight economic challenges and provide recommendations for improving inclusion in the workforce.
• Disability Rights Organizations: Publish reports and surveys detailing specific barriers and experiences of people with disabilities.

The statistics and findings illustrate the significant barriers to economic participation faced by people with disabilities in Kenya. Through initiatives like the CESRA Accessible Kiosks Project, CESRA is committed to creating a more inclusive society where individuals with disabilities can achieve financial independence and contribute meaningfully to their communities. As Julie Nyaga aptly puts it, “The kiosks will empower individuals to break free from the constraints imposed by societal barriers, enabling them to forge their own paths and build a better future.“

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