Strenthening Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) through Assistive Technology

Executive Summary 

Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) are central to advancing inclusive governance and development in Kenya. Evidence across counties consistently shows that OPDs are already playing critical roles, linking communities to services, supporting participation in governance processes, and strengthening accountability at local and national levels. This strategy builds on what is already working and focuses on scaling, structuring, and sustaining the role of OPDs within Kenya’s development systems. There is a significant opportunity to further strengthen and formalize these contributions within formal systems.

This strategy positions OPDs as essential actors within Kenya’s governance and development architecture, with the potential to bridge the gap between policy commitments and practical implementation. While Kenya has established a strong legal and policy framework for disability inclusion, including the Constitution (2010) and the Persons with Disabilities Act (2025), implementation remains uneven. Further strengthening the role and effectiveness of OPDs presents a clear pathway to translating these commitments into tangible outcomes for persons with disabilities.

The strategy focuses on six interconnected priorities:

1. Strengthening institutional capacity of OPDs
2. Enhancing OPD participation and influence in governance processes
3. Improving access to and integration of Assistive Technology
4. Strengthening partnerships and coordination
5. Expanding sustainable financing
6. Promoting the use of data and digital tools for evidence-based action

Together, these priorities provide a structured pathway for strengthening OPDs as effective and sustainable actors within the disability inclusion ecosystem.

This strategy also addresses recommended implementation focused on a phased approach, that includes system strengthening and alignment, integration and expansion, and the next steps required to institutionalization and sustainability of OPDs within public systems. The strategy also defines clear roles for key actors and promotes coordinated action across government, OPDs, development partners, private sector, and research institutions.

By shifting from fragmented and informal engagement toward a more structured and system-oriented approach, this strategy recommends a practical roadmap for positioning OPDs as key contributors to inclusive development in Kenya. It suggests a foundation for stronger participation, improved access to services and Assistive Technology, and more responsive and accountable systems.