Members of Parliament have raised alarm over the low employment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in state agencies, warning that the constitutional requirement of reserving at least 5% of jobs for PWDs is being systematically ignored.

In a statement released on its Facebook account on Saturday, August 16, 2025, Parliament announced that the National Assembly Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity, led by Mandera North MP Yussuf Adan Haji expressed concern during meetings with top officials from four state corporations on Friday, August 15, 2025, to review workforce diversity.

“The National Assembly Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity has expressed concern over the low number of persons with disabilities (PWDs) employed in State agencies,” the statement reads.

“Appearing before the Committee were Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) Director General Jackson Magondu, Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Acting Director General Luka Kimeli, and Geothermal Development Company (GDC) Managing Director Paul Ngugi,” the statement noted.

PWD employment statistics

During the separate sessions, the committee discovered that none of the agencies had met the constitutional requirement.

“It emerged that none of the agencies had met the constitutional requirement of reserving at least 5% of jobs for PWDs,” Parliament stated.

Data presented showed KeNHA had the highest representation, with 2.3%, followed by GDC with 2% and KeRRA with 1.3%.

“KeNHA, according to documents submitted to the Committee, recorded the highest inclusion rate, with 11 PWDs out of 474 employees (2.3%), followed by GDC with 20 out of 904 (2%), and KeRRA with 9 out of 690 (1.3%),” the statement reads.

Agencies warned

In his submission, Committee Chairperson Haji expressed disappointment with the findings, emphasising the continued marginalisation of PWDs.

“It is very sad that PWDs are still excluded from employment in key State agencies despite the Constitution stipulating that 5% of positions be set aside for them,” Haji said.

Haji issued a stern warning to state bodies about their compliance obligations.

“State bodies should lead by example and meet at least the minimum threshold. The Committee will not take it kindly if the marginalisation continues,” he added.

Challenges faced

According to the statement, committee members pressed the officials to explain the low numbers, with the agencies citing limited applications from PWDs, inadequate qualifications among candidates, and minimal new recruitment in recent years due to staff being seconded from parent ministries.

“The agencies cited a low number of applicants from underrepresented groups, inadequate qualifications among candidates, and limited recent recruitment, with many staff seconded from parent ministries,” Parliament reported.