Concerns over abuse of Kenya’s disability certification system dominated a parliamentary committee sitting after lawmakers warned that some individuals are allegedly using false claims of disability to access government jobs, political opportunities and public welfare programmes meant for vulnerable citizens.
The matter emerged during a session of the National Assembly Delegated Legislation Committee on Thursday, chaired by Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga, where Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua was questioned over gaps that may be enabling the trend.
MPs said weak verification systems and poor oversight are making it easier for influential individuals to take advantage of disability-based opportunities, locking out those who genuinely depend on them and straining limited public resources.
Kiambu Town MP Waithaka Machua told the committee that the problem is already visible in recruitment and nomination processes.
“We have seen genuine people, and then there are those who are superficial. Some wealthy beneficiaries use disability papers to jump queues for state opportunities,” said Kiambu town MP Waithaka Machua.
Machua added that there have been cases where individuals allegedly used disability status to secure political nominations, only to later exit after benefiting from the positions.
Lawmakers warned that such practices are weakening trust in affirmative action systems designed to support persons living with disabilities through jobs, tax relief, social assistance and political representation.
They also raised concerns over proposed Social Protection General Regulations, 2026, arguing that treating all persons with disabilities as automatically vulnerable could increase the risk of exploitation.
In his response, Mutua acknowledged weaknesses in the system and said the ministry is working on tighter controls to prevent misuse and ensure fairness.
“We need clear bounds and boundaries so that the system is not misused. Disability on its own does not mean vulnerability. We must assess the individual’s overall circumstances, including income and household conditions, to ensure that support and opportunities reach those who truly need it,” said Mutua.
He defended the reforms as necessary to strengthen Kenya’s social protection framework but agreed that stronger vetting mechanisms are needed.
Mutua also addressed delays in pension payments, attributing them to inefficiencies in government systems rather than lack of funds.
He said reforms at the National Social Security Fund have reduced processing time from several months to about one month, with a target of seven days.
“We are not a poor country. We just have poor capabilities of doing things,” Mutua said.
He insisted that delays in pensions should not justify shifting funds from other welfare programmes, saying each programme must serve its intended purpose.
However, MPs maintained that many retirees continue to suffer financial hardship, psychological stress and in some cases death while waiting for their dues.
Mutua told the committee that fully supporting all vulnerable Kenyans would require about Sh41 billion annually, while the current allocation stands at Sh29 billion.
Even after cleaning up duplicate and questionable entries, the ministry still faces a Sh34.4 billion funding gap.
“That shortfall means stricter vetting is inevitable. I have to go back and knock out some more people who are not really needy,” Mutua told MPs.
He also said the government has moved beneficiaries from bank and post office payments to direct transfers through M-Pesa to improve speed and efficiency.