Senator Asige calls for audit of sports facilities over accessibility by PWDs

The Senate has expressed deep concerns over the lack of accessibility of sports and leisure facilities across Kenya, calling on the government to conduct an audit to ensure these venues are user-friendly for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Nominated Senator Crystal Asige has argued that PWDs should have equal opportunities to enjoy sports and recreation.

A vocal advocate of the rights of PWDs, the lawmaker noted that these facilities should be as accessible to people with disabilities as they are to the general public.

While visiting various sports venues, Asige noted that despite the legal requirement for public spaces to be inclusive, the reality on the ground remains far from satisfactory.

"I don't subscribe to the notion that a disability should be a barrier to attending sporting events or facilities. Everyone should have that same opportunity, and it's unacceptable that this is clearly not the case across our counties," she said.

According to the senator, the implementation and enforcement of accessibility measures at these venues are inconsistent and inadequate.

The senator highlighted the barriers that persons with disabilities face when attempting to access sporting events or recreational activities, particularly at venues that are not designed with inclusivity in mind.

"Research has shown that PWDs tend to be less active because they have traditionally been excluded from the leisure industry and often encounter difficulties accessing and navigating the built environment," Asige said.

Physical activity

She pointed out that for too long, there has been a misguided social belief that physical activity does not apply to people in wheelchairs or those living with complex disabilities.

"For too long, there's been this social belief that if you're in a wheelchair or living with complex disabilities, then physical activity does not apply to you. Nothing could be further from the truth. Simply put, inaccessibility equals inactivity," the senator said.

In her view, the current situation is a result of poor enforcement of the law, which mandates that public spaces, including sports venues, should be fully accessible.

Asige lamented that many venues still lack basic accessibility features such as ramps, grab rails, lifts, accessible toilets, and changing facilities.

"The facilities lack accessible toilet and changing facilities and are without features such as negotiable ramps, grab rails, lifts, disabled car parking, drop-off zones, special entrances, and spectator seats close to the action for fans with disabilities," she noted.

Asige's advocacy is backed by her Persons with Disabilities Bill (2023), which seeks to address these gaps by introducing clear consequences for non-compliance and pushing for inclusive design in public spaces.

Clear accessibility standards

The Bill's Second Schedule specifically targets public buildings, sporting venues, playgrounds, and leisure facilities, with the aim of setting clear accessibility standards that ensure PWDs can use these spaces with ease.

"We must integrate accessibility into every stage of the design and development process, from the initial planning stages to the final construction and maintenance. The majority of our leisure and sports venues are simply not fit for PWDs," She said.

"It's heartbreaking to think that as we gear up to host the East Africa Inter-Parliamentary Games next month in Mombasa, an entire segment of our society is being left out because the facilities do not accommodate our needs," Asige added.

The senator also expressed concern over Kenya's bid to host major international events, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027 and the World Athletics Championships in 2029.

While the country has secured the rights to host these prestigious events, Asige stressed that without adaptive sports venues and inclusive infrastructure, PWDs will continue to be excluded.

"We have secured the rights to host AFCON in 2027 and have officially applied to host the World Athletics Championships in 2029, but we have not put adaptive sports venues in place," Asige pointed out.