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Kenya’s sports and leisure venues are under scrutiny, as nominated Senator Crystal Asige (pictured) has called for an urgent audit to address the inaccessibility faced by Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Asige, who champions inclusivity in public spaces, expressed concern over the lack of consistent accessibility standards, which she says “hinder PwDs from enjoying sports and recreation like everyone else”.

The first-time Senator, speaking ahead of the upcoming East Africa Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa, criticised the poor state of adaptive sports facilities in the country.

She highlighted that the issue extends beyond regional events, noting that Kenya is set to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in 2027 and has bid to host the World Athletics Championships in 2029.

“It’s unacceptable that an entire segment of society is excluded because facilities fail to meet basic accessibility standards,” she stated.

Her push comes on the back of her Persons with Disabilities Bill (2023), which outlines strict accessibility standards for public buildings, sporting venues as well as leisure facilities.

Moreover, the Bill introduces penalties for non-compliance and emphasizes universal design principles to ensure spaces are inclusive for all.

From lack of ramps, lifts and designated parking spaces to inadequate spectator seats and restrooms, Asige outlined the barriers PwDs face at leisure facilities.

She argued that inclusive design must be integrated at every stage of development.

“Inaccessibility equals inactivity!” she exclaimed, adding that research shows PwDs are less active due to exclusion from leisure industries.

Similarly, Asige criticised the lack of awareness among venue staff, particularly when dealing with individuals with invisible disabilities.

She called on the State Department of Sports and the Ministry of Lands to prioritise accessible infrastructure, noting that sports have the potential to challenge societal perceptions and economically empower PwDs.

Vice chair of the Kenya Sports Association for the Visually Impaired (KESAVI) Evelyne Ogolla echoed the Asige’s sentiments, stating that adaptive sports are a powerful tool for inclusion.

“There’s no sport that can’t be adapted for us,” Ogolla averred, emphasising the importance of facilities that cater to diverse needs.

With her Bill’s Second Schedule specifically addressing accessibility in sports and recreation, Senator Asige remains optimistic that inclusive designs will become a reality.

“We must ensure accessibility is not an afterthought but a fundamental part of good design,” she concluded.