Senate probes barriers facing PWDs in accessing services in Mombasa County
Petitioners described buildings where simple access is a daily struggle. At Bima Towers, for example, people with disabilities must be lifted flights of stairs because elevators are broken and ramps are missing.
The daily challenges faced by persons with disabilities came into focus during a Senate committee hearing in Mombasa, as advocates recounted the physical and emotional toll of trying to access government services.
“When I came here, Mombasa County Assembly building, I wanted to go to the gallery, but it was very difficult. People had to carry me up, and when people carry you, they don’t properly carry you. Sometimes you may get hurt,” said disability rights campaigner Charity Chahasi, her words capturing the frustration and risks endured by many.
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The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, led by Senator Julius Murgor of West Pokot, convened to examine a petition submitted by civil society activist Zedekiah Adika.
Attendees included the Mombasa County Assembly labour committee, officials from the Ministry of Labour represented by NCPWD acting chief executive Eva Njoroge, and engineers from the National Construction Authority.
Petitioners described buildings where simple access is a daily struggle. At Bima Towers, for example, people with disabilities must be lifted flights of stairs because elevators are broken and ramps are missing.
Senator Miraj Abdullahi reminded officials that Article 54 of the Constitution guarantees dignity and equal treatment for persons with disabilities, yet practical enforcement remains weak.
National Construction Authority (NCA) officials noted that most affected structures were built before the authority’s formation, and NCPWD said the Disability Act, 2003, lacked enough power to compel changes.
Sen (Rtd) Justice Stewart Madzayo of Kilifi rejected this, accusing the council of failing its mandate.
Eva Njoroge said the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, strengthens the agency’s authority, promising that necessary regulations and guidelines would be in place by year-end.
Other barriers cited included ownership disputes and UNESCO heritage protections, but advocates argued these should never justify excluding citizens from public services.
“We cannot be told that the county assembly is a UNESCO-protected building, and therefore no reform can be made,” one speaker said.
The county assembly itself remains a symbol of exclusion, with chambers still off-limits to many. Senators were warned that dangerous conditions have already cost lives. “People have even died in some of these buildings,” a participant said.
Following the hearing, committee members visited key sites, including Bima Towers and the Betting Control and Licensing Board offices, to see the obstacles firsthand. The inquiry will continue with a scheduled meeting with the Mombasa governor on Wednesday.
Senator Mohamed Faki emphasised the broader stakes. “It is about dignity, equality and the right to participate fully in public life,” he said.
“If the mountain cannot go to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain,” Senator Miraj added, highlighting the urgent need to ensure government services are accessible to all.
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