The Council today participated in a consultative meeting organized by the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and Light for the World (LFTW). This was KEPSA’s first forum on disability and the role Kenya’s private sector can play in fostering disability inclusion.
Executive Director Harun Hassan who was a panellist in the forum called for the private sector to shift focus on disability from a charity perspective to a rights-based view. This presents the disability demographic as an opportunity for tapping into expertise/talent, and also a blue ocean for business products and services.
The mindset shift also calls for continuous breaking of attitudinal barriers which hinder persons with disabilities from accessing job and procurement opportunities in the private sector. Also present were Ms Flora Mutahi – KEPSA’s Chairperson, Stephen Njenga – LFTW Country Director, Mark Obuya (Federation of Kenya Employers), Justice Dr. Imaana Laibuta, Action on Disability and Development’s Fred Ouko and Hon. Isaac Mwaura.
Mr. Hassan also participated in a disability rights workshop for law enforcement officers at Strathmore University. The workshop, organised by Orione Community Training Centre, Embassy of Chile and Strathmore Law Clinic, sensitised police officers from Kajiado County, on providing inclusive police services for persons with intellectual disabilities. The Director lauded the officers for finding time to explore how they can better handle and serve citizens with disabilities. Also in attendance was the Chilean Ambassador H.E. Maria Alejandra Guerra and Kajiado North Hon. Onesmus Nguro and Faculty Director Patrick Nzomo.
