Harold Kipchumba’s nomination to Parliament in July 2025 marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey toward inclusive leadership. A polio survivor and long-time disability rights advocate, Kipchumba was appointed by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to replace John Mbadi, who vacated his nominated MP seat after joining President William Ruto’s Cabinet as Treasury Cabinet Secretary.
Born with mobility challenges due to polio, Kipchumba transformed adversity into a lifelong commitment to advocacy for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and public health. His academic journey began at Nyabondo Home for the Disabled and later took him to Lenana School, where he stood out as the only student with a disability in his class. He pursued further studies in development at the Kimmage Development Centre in Ireland.
Kipchumba’s professional career is rich in public service. He has served as a Programme Officer at the Initiative on Disability and Development, and as CEO and Executive Director of the Bare Care Centre, a disability-focused organisation. During the 2013 polio outbreak in Kenya and Somalia, he emerged as a national figure, advocating for immunisation and disability inclusion. That same year, he was nominated to the Senate to represent PWDs, though his term was later cut short by a court ruling.
In 2015, Kipchumba was honoured as Kenya’s UN Person of the Year for his contributions to polio eradication, a testament to his impact in health advocacy.
His appointment as a nominated MP has been hailed as a progressive move, enhancing authentic representation for PWDs in political leadership. It also underscores the constitutional mandate to include marginalised groups in governance. However, his nomination stirred some discontent within the ODM Youth League, who had hoped their president, John Ketora, would be considered, citing the need for youth empowerment.
Nevertheless, Kipchumba’s elevation reinforces the message that persons with disabilities can lead and serve at the highest levels. His presence in Parliament is expected to influence disability rights legislation and champion inclusive policies that benefit all Kenyans. His story is one of resilience, leadership, and hope a beacon for inclusive governance.
