Garissa County has made strides in promoting disability inclusion within its workforce, surpassing national targets and setting a new benchmark for public institutions across the country.
This was highlighted on Thursday as the county joined the world in marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025 under the theme “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”
Speaking during the commemoration, County Secretary Mohamud Mursal said Garissa has exceeded the legal threshold for employing persons with disabilities (PWDs) within the county public service, an achievement he attributed to deliberate leadership and policy commitment.
He cited a recent Senate report on inclusivity in county governments. Garissa currently employs 115 staff members with disabilities, translating to over 5% of its total workforce.
This places the county above the national average of 4% across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and beyond the statutory requirement that at least 5% of staff in public institutions be persons with disabilities.
“This is a remarkable milestone for Garissa,” Mursal said. “We have not only met but surpassed the legal requirement to employ people with disabilities. In mid-2022, our representation stood at just 1.3%, but through His Excellency the Governor’s commitment to equity and inclusion, we have achieved more than 5% by 2024.”
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama welcomed the latest figures, saying the county’s progress reflects intentional governance grounded in fairness and opportunity for all.
He noted that improving the lives of persons with disabilities is at the heart of his administration’s social agenda.
“Our goal has always been to build a county where every resident—regardless of ability—has a dignified place and a fair chance to thrive,” Governor Nathif said.
“Exceeding the national threshold is not the end; it is a signal that inclusive policies work when backed by political will. We will continue expanding opportunities, enhancing accessibility in public institutions, and ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully included in our development agenda.”
The Governor further announced that his administration is scaling up investments in accessible infrastructure, support devices, inclusive education, and community-based rehabilitation programs across all sub-counties.
He urged institutions and private sector actors in Garissa to embrace inclusion as a shared responsibility, not an obligation.
“As we mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I call on all stakeholders—government, communities, and development partners—to continue walking with us in advancing disability rights,” he added. “An inclusive society is a stronger and more prosperous society.”
Local disability organisations welcomed the county’s improved performance but called for continued vigilance to ensure sustainability of the gains made, particularly in workplace accessibility, healthcare access, and social protection.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed globally every December 3 to promote the rights, dignity, and well-being of persons with disabilities.
