3rd June 2025, Nairobi, Kenya : Hon. William Kabogo, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to making the more than 33,000 government services that are already digitised on Ecitizen fully accessible online for persons with disabilities. He made this announcement during the official opening of the 6th Inclusive Africa Conference, held in Nairobi.
The Ministry will partner with innovators, leading global technology companies, and organisations representing persons with disabilities to drive forward Kenya’s digital accessibility agenda. Central to this effort is the implementation of the Accessibility Standard for Digital Products, which is already transforming how organisations design and deliver digital services.
“We are determined to equip at least 20 million Kenyans with digital literacy skills by 2027, including individuals who are blind, deaf, or living with mobility, cognitive, or learning disabilities,” Hon. Kabogo added. “Digital accessibility is not a luxury; it is a right and an essential pillar of our national development.”
Joseph Motari, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Social Services and Senior Citizen Affairs, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to accelerating progress toward universal digital inclusion. “Our priority is not only to bridge the remaining gaps in both physical and digital infrastructure,” he stated, “but also to leverage emerging technologies and cutting-edge assistive innovations. Through these efforts, we aim to
empower persons with disabilities in Kenya to lead independent, productive, and dignified lives, fully participating in every aspect of our society.”
Hon. Isaac Mwaura, the Government Spokesperson, affirmed Kenya’s position as one of Africa’s most progressive nations in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. He highlighted that the 2010 Constitution guarantees their rights and ensures access to employment and government procurement opportunities. To further promote inclusion, his office will soon launch an Inclusive Communications Program to make Government communications fully accessible and responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities.
Irene Mbari-Kirika, Founder and Executive Director of inABLE, who are the organisers of the conference, emphasised that digital accessibility is not a one-time fix, but an ongoing, evolving process that must be embedded from the outset and throughout every stage of the product development cycle. She called on developers and owners of digital products and services to prioritise accessibility as an integral part of design and innovation, ensuring that no person with a disability is left behind in the digital age.
Dina Randrianasolo, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Innovation at the Mastercard Foundation, emphasised that digital accessibility is fundamental to education, employment, and the full participation of young people across Africa. “More than 135 million people on the continent require assistive technologies—ranging from screen readers and mobility aids to hearing devices and accessible software—yet only 3% currently have access,” she noted, underscoring the urgent need to accelerate digital inclusion efforts.
The 3-day Inclusive Africa Conference is dedicated to advancing digital inclusion for persons with disabilities, with a strong emphasis on making financial services, education, skills development, employment, brand communication, and transportation more accessible. It also explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence as a catalyst for inclusive innovation.
The conference further aims to bring together key stakeholders—including government, industry, and civil society —to collaboratively develop a joint roadmap for the accelerated implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, with digital inclusion at its core.
For more information, please Contact; Lily Ronoh-Waweru; +254 722 965 450
About the Inclusive Africa Conference 2025
The Inclusive Africa Conference is one of the continent’s leading platforms for advancing digital accessibility and inclusive innovation. Launched in 2020 by inABLE, the annual conference brings together diverse stakeholders, including persons with disabilities, global tech companies, policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and civil society, to explore scalable solutions that promote equal access to the digital world. The conference fosters
collaboration, showcases assistive technologies, and influences policy change through high-level discussions, live demonstrations, pitch sessions, and networking forums. Each year, it grows in reach and impact, shaping the future of disability inclusion across Africa’s digital landscape.
About inABLE
inABLE.org is a nonprofit organisation established in 2009, dedicated to empowering young people with disabilities in Africa through inclusive education, assistive technology, and digital accessibility. Headquartered in Kenya and the U.S., inABLE supports innovative solutions that bridge the digital divide and promote equitable access to education and opportunities. The organisation has established Assistive Technology Labs in schools for the visually impaired, collaborated with the Kenya Bureau of Standards to develop Kenya’s first ICT Accessibility Standard (KS2952), and conducts impactful digital skills training and advocacy programs. With a strong emphasis on partnerships and policy influence, inABLE transforms how technology serves youths with disabilities, making access, opportunity, and dignity a reality for all.
