Kenya Commits to a Digital Future Where No One is Left Behind
By Carolyne Tomno
In a bold and transformative step, Kenya has declared its full commitment to making all online government services accessible to persons with disabilities, signaling a major leap toward a truly inclusive digital future.
Building inclusive Digital Infrastructure
Speaking at the opening of the 6th Inclusive Africa Conference in Nairobi, Hon. William Kabogo, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, announced that more than 33,000 digitised government services on the eCitizen platform will soon meet accessibility standards to accommodate all users—regardless of ability.
“We are determined to equip at least 20 million Kenyans with digital skills by 2027, including those who are blind, deaf, or living with cognitive or mobility challenges,” Kabogo said.
“Digital accessibility is a right, not a privilege. It’s a cornerstone of national development.”
The government is working hand-in-hand with tech giants, innovators, and disability rights organisations to implement the accessibility Standard for Digital Products, already reshaping how digital services are designed and delivered.
Joseph Motari, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Social Services and Senior Citizen Affairs, highlighted the importance of building both physical and digital infrastructure that empowers every Kenyan. “We’re leveraging cutting-edge assistive technology to help persons with disabilities live dignified, independent, and productive lives,” he said.
Communications for all
Also in attendance was Hon. Isaac Mwaura, Government Spokesperson, who reaffirmed Kenya’s progressive stance on disability rights.
He revealed that a new Inclusive Communications Program is on the horizon to ensure all government messaging reaches every Kenyan—regardless of ability. The three-day Inclusive Africa Conference, hosted by inABLE, is more than just a tech summit.
It’s a rallying call for inclusive innovation across key sectors like finance, education, employment, and transportation. It’s also an exploration into how AI and assistive technology can unlock opportunity for over 135 million Africans living with disabilities—most of whom still lack access to basic assistive tools.
Digital Acessibility
“Digital accessibility isn’t a checkbox. It’s a journey,” said Irene Mbari-Kirika, Founder and Executive Director of inABLE.
“We must embed accessibility in every stage of the design process—from the first sketch to the final product—so that no one is left behind.”
Dina Randrianasolo, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Mastercard Foundation, underscored that only 3% of people in Africa who need assistive technologies currently have them. “That gap must close. Accessibility unlocks education, jobs, and full participation for Africa’s youth.”
The conference aims to develop a joint implementation roadmap for Kenya’s new Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, with digital inclusion at its core.
As the digital revolution continues, Kenya is setting the pace for Africa—and the world—on what a truly inclusive society can and should look like.
