The push for more inclusive political representation took center stage today as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), through its Director of Legal Services, Chrispine Owiye, OGW, presented its submissions before the National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) on the County Governments Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Hon. Senator Crystal Asige.
Representing IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, HSC, Mr. Owiye outlined the Commission’s position on the proposed legislation, which seeks to advance the implementation of Article 54(2) of the Constitution. The provision requires the State to take measures towards the progressive realization of the principle that at least five per cent of the members of elective and appointive bodies are persons with disabilities.
One of the Bill’s key proposals is to require political parties to include persons with disabilities in their party lists, creating opportunities for greater representation in government and strengthening their participation in political decision-making.
The Commission supports the Bill’s objective of advancing the constitutional commitment to inclusion and representation. This position also aligns with IEBC’s own legislative proposals under the Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seek to introduce measures that prioritize persons with disabilities in political parties’ party lists.
Meaningful inclusion goes beyond providing access to the ballot. It also means creating opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in leadership, contribute to policy decisions and have their voices heard in the institutions that shape the country’s future.
As Kenya continues to strengthen its democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 General Election, efforts to remove barriers to political representation remain important in ensuring that no one is left behind.
The Commission remains committed to promoting an inclusive electoral process that upholds the rights of persons with disabilities and advances their participation in Kenya’s democratic governance.
A stronger democracy is one in which every voice has an opportunity to be heard and every citizen has a fair chance to participate in leadership.
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