Kenyan employees living with disabilities are set to benefit from a series of tax reliefs following President William Ruto’s assent to the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2023. The landmark legislation was signed into law on May 8, 2025.
President Ruto hailed the new law as “a progressive piece of legislation,” emphasizing that it upholds the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities. He noted that the Bill brings Kenya’s legal framework in line with the country’s Constitution—particularly Article 54, which guarantees the rights of persons with disabilities.
According to the President, the legislation affirms the rights of persons with disabilities across critical areas such as education, employment, healthcare, political participation, and access to public infrastructure. In addition, the law introduces robust enforcement provisions and accountability mechanisms aimed at ensuring compliance and promoting inclusion.
The Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2023, was co-sponsored by Senator Crystal Asige and the Leader of the Majority Party, Kimani Ichung’wah. The Senate passed the Bill on February 1, 2025, followed by its approval by the National Assembly on March 16, 2025.
With the signing of this Bill, Kenya now has a comprehensive legal framework dedicated to protecting, promoting, and monitoring the rights of persons with disabilities. The new law introduces several incentives and reliefs, including tax benefits for employees with disabilities and exemptions on materials and equipment imported for their use.
Importantly, the legislation imposes penalties on individuals or entities that violate the rights of persons with disabilities and includes strong provisions to shield them from abuse and exploitation.
A revitalized and strengthened National Council for Persons with Disabilities will be charged with overseeing the implementation of the law. As an independent statutory body, the Council will have broad powers to advise, investigate, and act on issues affecting persons with disabilities.
The legislation also defines clear responsibilities for both national and county governments. Among these are the implementation of disability policies at the county level, the establishment of county advisory committees, and a mandate that a minimum of five percent of all county government job opportunities be reserved for persons with disabilities.
For years, persons with disabilities in Kenya have voiced concerns over the lack of clear guidelines for accessing government-provided reliefs. The new law addresses these concerns while also introducing additional incentives. These include tax breaks for donations, bequests, and subsidies made in support of persons with disabilities.
Moreover, employers who invest in making reasonable accommodations within their workplaces to support employees with disabilities will now be eligible for tax exemptions.
This law repeals and replaces the earlier Persons with Disabilities Act, No. 14 of 2003, ushering in a new era of legal protection that is in full alignment with the current Constitution. At its core, the new legislation embraces a human rights-based approach to disability, underscoring society’s collective duty to foster inclusion and protect the well-being of all persons with disabilities.
Senator Crystal Asige, who championed the Bill, expressed her elation after it passed through Parliament. On April 1, she shared her joy with the public, stating that she was eagerly anticipating the President’s assent.
“On April 3, 2025, my disability bill passed through all stages in Parliament. I am very happy, I am so excited — congratulations to all of us,” Senator Asige said in a video message shared on X (formerly Twitter).
President Ruto officially signed the Bill into law during a ceremony at State House in Nairobi. The event was attended by leaders and representatives from the disability rights community, marking a momentous step forward for disability rights in Kenya.
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