Makueni’s County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, Engineer Sebastian Kyoni speaking during the Commemoration of the World Disability Day on December 3, 2025. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Makueni County on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to building a truly inclusive society, joining the world in marking the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
The global commemoration, observed every year on December 3, focuses on raising awareness, understanding, and acceptance of persons with disabilities.
This year’s theme, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” resonated strongly with the county’s ongoing efforts to mainstream disability rights and welfare.
Speaking at Wote Police grounds where the celebrations happened, Makueni’s County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, Engineer Sebastian Kyoni, highlighted the county’s milestones in strengthening disability inclusion through policy, legislation, and community-centered initiatives.
Kyoni praised the close collaboration between the County Government and the Makueni County Disability Network, noting that regular consultations and joint planning have resulted in progressive reforms benefiting thousands of residents.
“We have walked this journey together, discussing challenges, identifying solutions, and developing a structured plan with the disability community to improve welfare and enhance access to services,” he said.
Makueni County has established a robust policy and legal framework specifically tailored to protect and uplift persons with disabilities. Central to this framework is the Makueni Disability Policy, which guides planning and implementation of disability-specific programs.
The county has also enacted the Makueni County Social Protection Act, a comprehensive law that targets persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Having been passed by the County Assembly, work is currently underway to finalize its regulations to make it fully operational. The Act outlines structured support in critical areas such as healthcare, education assistance, and essential services.
In addition, the Ultra-Poor Graduation Policy seeks to uplift vulnerable households—including those with disabilities—by providing a pathway toward sustainable livelihoods and social empowerment.
To ensure no one is left behind, the county has embarked on a comprehensive registration exercise for persons with disabilities. This initiative will enable the government to accurately identify beneficiaries and plan targeted interventions. Kyoni urged families not to hide loved ones with disabilities, saying, “Disability is God’s plan. Bring them forward so that the government can offer the support they deserve.”
Makueni has also emerged as a leader in disability sports. The county boasts a vibrant paravolleyball team that continues to train actively and compete nationally. Beginning tomorrow, the county will host national-level disability sports competitions, fully funded by the County Government.
Kyoni revealed that every ward has been allocated funds for disability sports development, reaffirming Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.'s directive that inclusivity must extend to all sectors—even sports. “No one will be left behind,” the governor has emphasized.
In the health sector, Makueni has taken steps to eliminate communication and accessibility barriers. The Makueni County Referral Hospital now has interpreters to assist patients with hearing impairments, with plans to roll out similar support to all Level 4 health facilities. The goal, Kyoni said, is to ensure every person with a disability can express themselves and receive dignified, efficient healthcare.
Moreover, the county’s flagship medical support program, MakueniCare (MutulaCare), is set to benefit thousands of low-income residents, including persons with disabilities. The county will pay SHIF and SHA premiums for eligible households, guaranteeing access to free healthcare across the country.
As Makueni joined the world in marking this year’s International Day for Persons with Disabilities, the county stood out as a model for progressive, inclusive governance. Through strong policies, community partnerships, inclusive sports, improved healthcare access, and targeted social protection, Makueni has demonstrated its commitment to creating a society where persons with disabilities are valued, supported, and empowered.
Kyoni emphasized that the county’s journey does not end here. “We are building a society where everyone—regardless of ability—has a place, a voice, and an opportunity to thrive,” he said.
With deliberate action, inclusive policies, and a people-driven approach, Makueni County continues to lead the way in fostering disability-inclusive social progress.
