Kenya has embarked on an ambitious journey to digitize nearly all public services. However, this transition has inadvertently left behind a significant segment of the population persons with disabilities (PWDs).
According to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, over 918,000 Kenyans, about 2.2% of the population, live with some form of disability. For many, digital exclusion persists due to limited access to assistive technologies and non-inclusive digital designs. While mobile ownership among the deaf and hearing impaired is relatively higher, visually impaired individuals face greater barriers to smartphone access.
To address this gap, the Kenya Bureau of Statistics and inABLE introduced national accessibility standards (KS 2952-1:2022) in 2022. These call for features such as tactile inputs, screen readers, and sign language interpretation across public and private sector platforms. Despite this, compliance remains limited, with a lack of awareness and inclusivity in product design often cited as key challenges.
Accessibility advocates like Irene Mbari-Kirika of inABLE argue that inclusion must be deliberate and collaborative. Legal officer Julius Mbura, who is blind, and community consultant Andrew Olubala, who is deaf, embody both the potential and the challenges. Mbura uses screen readers to navigate platforms but relies on others when websites lack audio descriptions. Olubala skips educational videos without captions and urges for sign language boxes in video content.
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) platforms like eCitizen still offer limited accessibility providing only visual contrast and text size controls. Basic needs like screen readers, sign language interpreters, and audio descriptions are still absent.
The push for inclusive digital services is not merely a matter of convenience it is a human right. As Kenya continues its digital journey, embracing universal design and involving PWDs in policymaking and product development will be crucial in achieving true digital equity. Only then can the promise of digital transformation be fulfilled for every Kenyan.
