KNCHR report reveals person with disability face societal stigma

A recently released report by the Kenya National Human Rights Commission KNCHR has revealed that People with disability face discrimination as they go about their daily lives.

‘They get challenges when managing their property, banking their money or when getting married,’ the survey shows.

KNCHR Consultant Felicia Mburu has added that ironic enough is that the law sometimes prevents Persons with disabilities from accessing banking and insurance services.

‘We interviewed members of the banking and insurance industry and they confirmed that. We need to look at our laws that are biased against persons with disability and review them to make sure that they comply with the Convention and the rights of people with disability,’ said Mburu during the launch of the report in Nairobi.

‘Issues under the Banking Act limits them from accessing funds. To open an account you have to be sane,’ she noted.

Commissioner Shatikha Chivusia has explained that sometimes mental illness could be temporary and people who have healed can be allowed to access their funds in bank accounts.

‘Sad state of affairs is when you are certified as having a mental challenge. Your life is gone. It is common knowledge that some cases of mental illness are periodic,’ she explained.

The commissioner said that some guardians to the persons with disability limit their needs for selfish gains.

‘Guardians should allow them to make their own independent decisions,’ she said.

‘Attitude is also challenge. If someone is blind assumption is that they can’t think. When one sense is gone it does not mean all senses are gone,' said Mburu.

The Deputy CEO KNCHR Evelyn Samba acknowledged that challenges unearthed during the report could be used to find durable solutions.

Interviews for the report were conducted in Mandera and Taita Taveta counties.

According to the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner persons with disabilities face discrimination and barriers that restrict them from participating in society on an equal basis with others every day and are denied their rights to be included in the general school system, to be employed, to live independently in the community, to move freely, to vote, to participate in sport and cultural activities, to enjoy social protection, to access justice, to choose medical treatment and to enter freely into legal commitments such as buying and selling property.