Unseen, Unemployed, Undervalued: Why 67% of Kenya’s PWD’s are still locked out of jobs

It’s 7:45 a.m., James (not his real name) wheels himself into an office building in town, Nairobi for a job interview he’s been preparing for all week. The receptionist smiles politely then frowns. “Oh… we don’t have a lift,” she responds. James is asked to wait. Two hours later, someone finally comes down to explain that the interview has been postponed.

It’s the fourth time this month.

In Kenya, a staggering 67% of persons with disabilities (PWDs) remain unemployed. Behind this figure lies a deeper truth: an economy and society still struggling to include millions in the workforce not because they are unqualified, but because they are unseen.

Despite policy frameworks and constitutional provisions like Article 54(2) of the Kenyan Constitution which mandates that at least 5% of all public and private appointments be reserved for PWDs, the implementation remains sluggish. 

Barriers persist in recruitment, infrastructure, workplace attitudes, and access to education and training. Many employers still view disability inclusion as a charitable effort, not a strategic business decision.

A Summit to disrupt the cycle

In a bid to dismantle these long-standing barriers, Riziki Source is leading the charge with Kenya’s first-ever Disability Employment Summit (DES), a national platform designed to accelerate disability inclusion in employment.

Set for November 27th and 28th, 2025 at JW Marriott Nairobi, the summit will bring together employers, policymakers, sponsors, civil society, and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) under one roof.

But this is not just another talk-shop.

“The summit is about real solutions,” says Fredrick Ouko, Executive Director of Riziki Source. “We are creating space for direct networking between inclusive employers and job-seeking PWDs, and pushing for commitments that go beyond the 5% public employment quota.”

Participants will include corporates, NGOs, SMEs, and policy enforcers who will explore the intersection of inclusion and economic development. There will also be exhibitors showcasing inclusive technologies and best practices for accessible hiring.

Why employers should care

Aside from legal compliance, embracing disability inclusion is simply good business. Studies show that diverse teams are more innovative and resilient. Moreover, disability inclusion opens access to a vast, untapped talent pool and boosts brand reputation.

Sponsors and employers attending DES 2025 will also learn how to align their hiring practices with their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals in meaningful, measurable ways.

As Kenya moves toward a more digital and inclusive economy, the question is no longer whether PWDs can work, it’s whether we will continue to deny them the chance.

The Disability Employment Summit 2025 is not just an event, it is a movement. And for the 67% still waiting for a fair shot, it could be the moment everything changes.

To attend or exhibit at the summit, apply now via: https://disemploymentsummit.org

Participation Fee: KES 25,000

Venue: JW Marriott, Nairobi

Dates: 27th & 28th November 2025