The National Police Service Commission joined national leaders, policymakers and key stakeholders from various sectors at a high-level engagement to advance disability inclusion. The stakeholders examined systemic, legislative and societal barriers that continue to limit the full participation of persons with disabilities in Kenya.
The retreat, convened by the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Social Protection and the Kenya Disability Parliamentary Association (KEDIPA), brought together key stakeholders including the Public Service Commission, Teachers Service Commission, Kenya Airports Authority and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities among other implementing agencies of the Act.
Speaking during the forum, Chief Executive Officer Peter Leley underscored the unique operational realities of policing, noting that many officers acquire disabilities in the line of duty due to occupational risks associated with their work. He emphasized that this places a distinct institutional responsibility on the Commission to ensure affected officers are treated with dignity, supported through structured welfare programmes and where possible reintegrated into service.
“Police officers face significant risks in the course of duty, and when injuries occur, our responsibility extends beyond response to ensuring dignity, support and opportunities for continued service,” he noted.
The CEO further highlighted key measures implemented by the Commission to promote inclusion, including counselling and psychosocial support programmes, medical insurancecover, continuous medical assessments and workplace adjustments to accommodate officers with disabilities.
In her remarks, Deputy Speaker Hon. Gladys Boss who graced the event, called for a shift from compliance to intentional system design, emphasizing that inclusion must be embedded in policies, processes and institutional culture.
“Inclusion should not be treated as a matter of compliance, but as a deliberate effort to redesign opportunities and systems so that no one is left behind,” she stated.
The discussions emphasized the need to move beyond policy commitments towards practical, measurable action, including strengthening accountability, enhancing coordination across institutions and ensuring adequate resource allocation to support disability inclusion initiatives
