EXECUTE EMPLOYMENT LAWS GOVERNING PWDS

 

By Janelle Okongo

Stereotyping persons living with disabilities as unreliable, incapable and costly to employ, is among reasons why there is high rates of unemployment in both developing and developed countries.

According to the report by United Nations Fund Populations (UNFPA), in developing countries, 80 percent to 90 percent of persons with disabilities of working age are unemployed whereas in developed countries the figure is between 50 percent and 70 percent.

Kenya being one of the developing countries, has enacted good laws that govern PWDS inline with their sourcing for employment unfortunately the canons are yet to be implemented in the job market.

Employers and job recruiters have always acted contrary to the law of " No person shall deny a person with disability access to employment if he or she qualifies". It is evident through their fear to spent much restructuring the organization to better accommodate disabled employees. Structuring ramps, providing technology devices and wheel chairs is what hinder employers from considering the disabled.

As it stands, some employers break the law of subjecting same compensation, allowances and benefits to PWDS as to able- bodies employees. They create a pay gap where job pay is measured in hourly pay. Disabled employees are still discriminated on salary matters despite physical, social, psychological and economic difficulties they face.

Kenya Business and Disability Network (KBDN) has perpetuated a good image by promoting inclusivity of disabled people in the workforce. Report of 2021 reveals that over 100 PWDS were employed under KBDN scheme.

As laws of the country states, 5 percent of all employment should be reserved for people living with disabilities, strategies should be established to ensure the law applies to all organizations, entities and institutions across the country.

Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social protection, Florence Bore should move in haste to ensure all employed disabled people get registered and are entitled to exemption of tax on all income they acquired from employment.

Let's encourage diversity and inclusion for all people for a better tomorrow.

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