NPA WELCOMES FREE LEGAL DOCUMENTS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, URGES URGENT VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE AHEAD OF 2027 POLLS

Silas David Obuhatsa Calls for Home-Based Mobile Documentation Services, Accessible Civic Education and Nationwide Mobilisation Across All 47 Counties

By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor

NAIROBI, KENYA — The National Parents Association (NPA) has welcomed the Government’s directive on the free issuance of valid legal documents to persons with disabilities, urging the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to expedite its implementation to enable eligible citizens to register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

In a statement issued through the Office of the National Chairman, NPA Chairman Mr Silas David Obuhatsa commended the Government for what the association described as an important step towards promoting inclusion, equality, dignity and the constitutional rights of persons with disabilities.

The association said the initiative presents an opportunity to address longstanding barriers that prevent some persons with disabilities from obtaining essential identification documents and participating fully in democratic processes.

NPA emphasised that no eligible Kenyan should be denied the opportunity to vote because of financial constraints, a lack of identification documents or difficulties accessing government services.

NPA Calls for Nationwide Documentation Drive in All 47 Counties

While welcoming the directive, NPA has called for urgent coordination between the Ministry of Interior, county and national administration officials, organisations representing persons with disabilities and other stakeholders to identify and assist those who lack valid identification documents.

The association wants County Commissioners, chiefs, assistant chiefs and Nyumba Kumi structures to support community-level mobilisation and awareness campaigns targeting persons with disabilities who may otherwise remain unreached.

NPA has also proposed home-based mobile registration and documentation services to reach individuals who face difficulties travelling to government offices because of disability, age, financial challenges or other barriers.

The association said the exercise should cover all 47 counties and be supported by accessible public information to ensure that eligible citizens understand the requirements and procedures for obtaining their documents.

It further called for coordination with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to help eligible persons who acquire the necessary identification documents proceed with voter registration within the applicable timelines.

Blind and Deaf Parents Risk Being Left Behind

NPA expressed particular concern about the challenges faced by blind and deaf parents, noting that inaccessible communication can prevent them from receiving essential information about government programmes and civic participation.

For deaf citizens, the association called for sign language interpretation and accessible communication channels. For blind citizens, it urged authorities to provide information through audio messages, accessible digital platforms, community outreach and direct engagement.

NPA said public awareness campaigns must be designed to reach persons with different disabilities rather than relying exclusively on printed notices, posters or other formats that may not be accessible to everyone.

“Access to information is not a privilege. It is a necessary foundation for equal participation, informed decision-making and the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities,” the association emphasised.

Eligible Students Also Targeted Ahead of 2027 Elections

The association has also highlighted the need to reach school-going young people aged 18 years and above who meet the legal requirements to vote, particularly those who are blind or deaf.

NPA noted that parents with disabilities play an important role in family life, school management, community development and national decision-making. Their participation in elections, it said, is essential to ensuring that their concerns are represented in public policy and leadership.

The association called on government agencies, schools, disability organisations and community leaders to ensure that eligible persons with disabilities receive the necessary information and support to participate meaningfully in the electoral process.

Obuhatsa Appeals to NPA Leaders to Spread the Message

NPA Chairman Silas David Obuhatsa has appealed to county, sub-county and school-level association leaders to support the dissemination of the Ministry of Interior circular on the free issuance of legal documents to persons with disabilities.

He urged NPA leaders to work with school heads, parents, local administrators, community leaders and disability organisations to ensure the information reaches families and individuals who could benefit from the directive.

The association said its leadership structures and community networks could play a key role in awareness creation, voluntary information-sharing and the identification of persons who may need assistance accessing the relevant services.

NPA expressed confidence that coordinated efforts between government institutions and community stakeholders would help improve awareness and access to essential documentation.

NPA Backs Ministry of Interior, Demands Effective Implementation

The association reiterated its support for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, urging the Government to sustain the initiative through effective implementation, adequate public awareness, inter-agency coordination and accessible service delivery.

It also called for stronger collaboration between the Ministry, IEBC, disability organisations, parents’ associations and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that access to identification documents translates into meaningful opportunities for eligible citizens to register as voters.

According to NPA, the success of the initiative should be reflected in the number of eligible persons with disabilities reached, assisted and enabled to access their legal documents.

As Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Elections, the association has urged all relevant authorities to act swiftly and ensure that no eligible citizen is excluded because of disability or economic circumstances.

“No parent with a disability should be denied the right to vote because of a missing identification document. No eligible student with a disability should be left behind because information failed to reach them.”

NPA reaffirmed its readiness to support community mobilisation and public awareness through its national, county, sub-county and school-level leadership networks.

The association concluded that an inclusive democracy must provide every eligible citizen with a fair opportunity to participate, regardless of disability or economic status.

“Every eligible citizen counts. Every vote matters. Disability must never be a barrier to democratic participation.”