Experts to use ICT conference to boost disability policies
Irene Mbari-Kirika, Founder and Executive Director of in ABLE, stated that the event, scheduled from June 3 to 5, will spotlight efforts to harmonize ICT accessibility policies across Africa.
Nairobi is set to host an international conference next week focused on advancing digital accessibility for persons with disabilities.
The Inclusive Africa Conference 2025, themed ‘Scaling Digital Accessibility through Innovation & Entrepreneurship,’ will explore how artificial intelligence is driving assistive technology innovations across various sectors such as finance, education, travel, and public transportation.
Irene Mbari-Kirika, Founder and Executive Director of in ABLE, stated that the event, scheduled from June 3 to 5, will spotlight efforts to harmonize ICT accessibility policies across Africa.
The conference will also emphasize the recently signed Persons with Disabilities Act 2025 by President William Ruto.
She noted that the sixth edition of the conference will bring together global technology giants such as Google, Microsoft, Uber, Intuit, and Meta, alongside government agencies and innovators.
The event will also host policymakers, entrepreneurs, educators, organizations representing persons with disabilities, and the Mastercard Foundation, all collaborating to identify bold, scalable solutions to enhance digital accessibility throughout Africa.
"In today’s digital age, accessibility is not a privilege or an afterthought, it’s a basic human right and essential for inclusive economic participation,” said Ms. Mbari-Kirika, adding that the conference will also commemorate the World Day for Assistive Technology.
She highlighted that the recently signed legislation by President Ruto offers a robust legal foundation for safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities, aligning with both the Kenyan Constitution and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The bill was jointly sponsored by Senator Crystal Asige and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
The Bill received Senate approval on February 1, 2025, before being passed by the National Assembly on March 16, 2025.
During the signing ceremony held on May 8, President Ruto stated, “The Bill affirms the rights of persons with disabilities to access education, healthcare, and participate fully in political life.”
President Ruto further noted that the new law will promote greater access to employment, education, and essential social services for persons with disabilities.
Replacing the 2003 Persons with Disabilities Act, the new legislation is being hailed as both comprehensive and forward-looking.
Its primary goal is to break down systemic barriers and foster full inclusion of people with disabilities across all areas of society.
A key feature of the new law is the restructuring of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, which will take a lead role in overseeing its implementation.
The legislation also introduces enhanced safeguards against discrimination and requires affirmative action initiatives across various sectors to promote inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Mbari-Kirika noted that at the close of the conference, a group of 15 selected innovators will have the opportunity to present their assistive technology solutions to potential investors and venture capitalists.
