The Kenyan government has pledged to ensure full digital accessibility for persons with disabilities, marking a significant step toward inclusive digital transformation. Speaking at the official opening of the 6th Inclusive Africa Conference in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to making all digitised services on the eCitizen platform currently numbering over 33,000 fully accessible to all Kenyans, including those with disabilities.
“Our goal is to equip at least 20 million Kenyans with digital literacy skills by 2027,” said CS Kabogo. “This includes individuals who are blind, deaf, or living with mobility, cognitive, or learning disabilities.” He noted that achieving this ambition will require close collaboration with global technology companies, local innovators, and organisations advocating for persons with disabilities.
At the heart of this initiative is the rollout of Kenya’s Accessibility Standard for Digital Products, which is shaping how public digital services are designed and delivered. This standard is seen as a major milestone in ensuring that accessibility considerations are embedded at the earliest stages of digital service development.
Joseph Motari, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Social Services and Senior Citizens, echoed the Cabinet Secretary’s sentiments. He emphasized that bridging the digital divide is both a right and a necessity. “Digital accessibility is not a luxury; it is a right and an essential pillar of our national development,” he stated.
Motari also highlighted the importance of combining digital accessibility with improvements in physical infrastructure and assistive technologies. “We are committed to leveraging emerging technologies and assistive innovations to ensure that persons with disabilities can lead independent, productive, and dignified lives,” he added.
The conference brought together stakeholders from across Africa to share best practices and innovations in inclusive digital development. With this strong policy backing and multi-sectoral collaboration, Kenya aims to become a regional leader in digital inclusivity, ensuring that no one is left behind in the country’s digital transformation journey.
