For many years, persons living with disabilities in Kisumu County have remained left out in important government discussions and decision making processes.

Many have struggled with inaccessible public spaces, discrimination, poor representation and lack of proper involvement in policy making and public participation forums. Because of this, thousands of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) have continued to miss opportunities to fully take part in development matters that directly affect their lives.

But things are now slowly changing.

A new 15-month disability inclusion project is bringing fresh hope to PWDs in Nyando and Kisumu East sub-counties. The initiative, running under the theme “From Under Inclusion to Effective Inclusion in Policy Making Process,” aims to ensure persons with disabilities are fully involved in governance, budgeting and service delivery.

The project is being implemented through partnerships involving FEMNET Kenya, SDG Kenya Forum and Women Engage for a Common Future. It brings together county government officials, civil society groups, Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs), media practitioners, private sector players and local communities.

During a stakeholders’ forum held in Kisumu, persons living with disabilities, government officials and development partners met to discuss ways of promoting meaningful participation of PWDs in governance and development.

The meeting gave persons with disabilities a platform to directly raise concerns touching on accessibility, accountability, public participation and inclusion in government services.

One major message strongly came out during the discussions — inclusion without participation is not enough.

The initiative now seeks to empower PWDs and DPOs with leadership skills, civic education and governance knowledge so they can confidently engage in public participation forums and policy discussions.

Through mentorship programs, civic forums and governance training sessions, many persons with disabilities are now finding the confidence to speak up and demand their rights.

In areas like Nyando and Kisumu East, disability advocates say public participation forums are slowly becoming more inclusive. More discussions are now focusing on sign language interpretation, disability-friendly infrastructure and assistive communication tools to ensure everybody is heard.

The project is also creating stronger partnerships between government institutions, disability groups and stakeholders to ensure disability issues are included in county planning and development programs.

Speaking during the forum, Kisumu County Gender and Youth Affairs Officer George Orude called for proper implementation of the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) program.

According to Orude, AGPO can greatly help empower persons with disabilities, youth and other marginalized groups economically by giving them access to government business opportunities.

“Implementing AGPO fully will unlock the potential of persons with disabilities, the youth and special groups by giving them equal economic opportunities,” said Orude.

George Odhiambo from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities challenged both government and non-governmental organizations to move beyond promises and invest in practical inclusion solutions.

“Meaningful inclusion begins when persons with disabilities are allowed to sit at decision making tables and help shape policies affecting their lives,” he said.

Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Sports, Culture, Gender and Youth Affairs Beatrice Odongo also reaffirmed the county government’s commitment towards strengthening inclusive governance.

“We want a Kisumu where nobody is left behind. Persons with disabilities must be fully included in governance, development, budgeting and service delivery because inclusion is a right, not a favour,” said Odongo.

Beyond governance, stakeholders are also pushing for disability-inclusive budgets and policies in Kisumu County. Advocates want disability concerns fully integrated into county development plans and legislative processes.

The overall goal is to move away from charity-based approaches and focus on rights-based inclusion where persons with disabilities are treated equally and fairly.

Community mobilizers say the initiative is already helping reduce stigma and social isolation that many persons with disabilities have faced for years.

For many families, the project is not just about policies. It represents dignity, recognition and equal opportunity.

As the movement continues growing, many believe Kisumu County is slowly building a future where persons with disabilities will fully participate in shaping policies and decisions that affect their daily lives.

A future where inclusion becomes reality and not just words.