This archive report was first published on 3 August 2019.
On August 3, 2019, a workshop in Nairobi brought together experts and advocates to discuss the importance of empowering persons with disabilities in the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Organized by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa, the workshop aimed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing and using ICT.
Victor Kopiyo, a High Court advocate and researcher, emphasized the need for the government to develop a policy on ICT with a focus on disability rights. He noted that people with disabilities are increasingly using ICT, but their rights must be protected.
"We have very low awareness on what needs to be done on the rights of the disabled person. ICT is key in championing their rights and that is why we want the government to include ICT issues in disability programmes," Kopiyo said.
He highlighted the need for support in using websites and other ICT devices, particularly for people who are blind. Kopiyo also shared cases where disabled persons seeking assistance in customer care centers are often neglected due to language barriers and other issues.
Dr. Wairagala Wakabi, the executive director of the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa, emphasized the importance of empowering persons with disabilities in using ICT. He noted that the training seeks to overcome the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing and using ICT.
"We are looking at challenges persons with disabilities face in use of ICT and how they can overcome such challenges," Wakabi said.
He also called on the government to remove taxes on devices used by persons with disabilities and encourage local production to make them more accessible.
"We are being told that 81 per cent of Kenyans access the internet, but what percentage is by persons with disabilities?" Wakabi posed.
