The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Secretariat today participated in a sensitization training on the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Act 2024, reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to inclusivity, compliance, and equitable participation in economic development.

The training was conducted by experts from The Next Step Foundation in partnership with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and provided KNCCI staff with an in-depth understanding of the new legal and policy framework governing disability inclusion in Kenya.

During the session, participants were taken through global and local disability demographics, highlighting the scale, diversity, and economic significance of persons with disabilities. The facilitators emphasized the importance of institutional compliance with the PWD Act 2024 and the responsibility of organizations to proactively integrate disability inclusion into their governance, operations, and service delivery models.

Key focus areas of the training included:

• The rationale and requirements for compliance with the PWD Act 2024;
• Practical steps for aligning organizations with the Act from senior executive leadership to middle-level management;
• Legal obligations, rights, and potential compliance risks;
• Clarifying the distinction between disability and impairment to promote accurate understanding and inclusive policy implementation.

The session underscored the role of leadership in driving organizational culture change, noting that disability inclusion must be embedded at strategic, managerial, and operational levels to achieve meaningful impact.

The sensitization forum was organized in liaison with the KNCCI Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Committee, with the Committee Chairman, Mr. Raphael Waweru, in attendance. His participation reaffirmed the Chamber’s institutional commitment to advancing disability inclusion within the private sector.

KNCCI anticipates that the strengthened partnership with The Next Step Foundation and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities will enhance its capacity to empower members on disability compliance and inclusion. As the lead trade support institution and the voice of the private sector in Kenya, KNCCI remains dedicated to championing inclusive business practices that unlock opportunities for all, including persons with disabilities.

This initiative forms part of KNCCI’s broader agenda to support policy alignment, promote inclusive growth, and ensure that Kenyan businesses are well-positioned to comply with evolving regulatory frameworks while fostering sustainable and equitable economic development.

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The meeting focused on the rollout of a county-level sensitization and awareness programme aimed at unpacking and operationalizing the new PWD Act for key stakeholders across the country.

Key priority areas discussed included:

Accelerated development and finalization of critical regulations, namely:
* Sign Language Regulations
* Tax Exemption Regulations
* Adjustment Order Regulations
* Registration Regulations

Engagement with the newly established State Department for Social Protection and Inclusion Management

Financial assistance mechanisms for caregivers

Structured stakeholder engagement to ensure inclusive participation and effective implementation

The partners reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative action to ensure widespread awareness, compliance, and meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities in policy, business, and social systems.

Further updates on programme rollout and county engagements will be shared in due course.

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Speaking during the signing, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto noted that the partnership underscores the Chamber’s commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are not left behind in Kenya’s economic growth by ensuring that they have access to opportunities available to other entrepreneurs and the capacity to scale up their business.

“This MoU is a powerful statement by the Chamber on the organizations support for inclusivity in the business place for all, it is about creating sustainable economic value for businesses, communities, and the nation. An inclusive economy is a stronger economy, and this partnership paves the way for equal opportunity, innovation, and growth,” Dr. Rutto said.

Speaking on behalf of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Chief Executive Officer Eva Njoroge welcomed the partnership, describing it as timely as the Council begins implementing the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, which sets out clear obligations for businesses to embrace inclusivity.

She emphasized that KNCCI’s strength in policy influence and advocacy will be instrumental in ensuring successful rollout of the legislation, while the Council leverages the Chamber’s vast business networks to empower PWDs through training, capacity building, and access to opportunities.

“This partnership comes at a critical moment as we operationalize the PWD Act 2025. By combining KNCCI’s advocacy power and business reach with NCPWD’s technical expertise, we will not only enforce compliance but also unlock real opportunities for persons with disabilities to thrive as entrepreneurs, employees, and innovators,” Ms. Njoroge said.

Key areas of collaboration under the MoU include:

• Business Development & Entrepreneurship: Joint support for entrepreneurship initiatives, mentorship, incubators, networking, and access to markets for PWDs, women, and youth.
• Compliance & Disability Rights: Supporting businesses to comply with disability laws and champion non-discriminatory practices as envisioned in the PWD Bill 2024.
• Digital Skills & Capacity Building: Co-developing digital and vocational training programs to enhance employability and entrepreneurial skills.
• Policy Advocacy: Joint efforts to influence policies that promote economic inclusion, equal employment, and inclusive business practices.
• Research & Knowledge Sharing: Conducting studies and sharing insights to inform better policies and programs.
• Events & Awareness Campaigns: Hosting expos, job fairs, and campaigns to showcase success stories of inclusive businesses.
• Recognition & Audits: Recognizing compliant companies and conducting accessibility audits for corporates.

“At KNCCI, we believe capacity building is the foundation of sustainable growth. Through our county chambers, we are committed to equipping entrepreneurs—including persons with disabilities—with the right skills, mentorship, and networks to compete effectively in today’s economy. This partnership with NCPWD strengthens our resolve to make training and empowerment more inclusive and impactful across the country,” said KK Mutai AG Chief Executive Officer.

Under the agreement, KNCCI will leverage its extensive national network across counties to create opportunities, mobilize members for jobs and mentorship, and advocate for inclusive policies. NCPWD will provide technical expertise in disability inclusion, design tailored training, and advise businesses on accessibility and inclusivity.

Both parties will also co-develop proposals and mobilize resources to support economic empowerment initiatives for PWDs, inclusive business development, training, and access to infrastructure and technology.

This partnership is expected to unlock possibilities and ensure that PWDs are fully integrated into Kenya’s business ecosystem—contributing to innovation, sustainable growth, and national prosperity.

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