Persons with Disabilities (PWD)
Act 2025
Enacted in May 2025, this law replaces the old 2003 Act. It shifts the focus from “charity” to “human rights,” guaranteeing you legally enforceable protections in employment, taxes, and daily life.
Section 1: The "Big Wins" (Key Highlights)
1. The 5% Job Quota If you apply for a job at any public or private organization with more than 20 employees, the law requires them to reserve 5% of positions for persons with disabilities.
Tip: Use this when applying for county or government jobs.
2. Tax Exemption on Income Persons with disabilities are exempt from income tax on the first KES 150,000 per month (KES 1.8M per year). This applies to salaries, business profits, and consultancy fees.
3. Caregiver Tax Relief (New!) For the first time, if you are a parent or guardian of a person with a severe disability who cannot work, YOU are eligible to apply for tax relief on your own income. You no longer need to bear the financial burden alone.
Section 2: Employment Protections
Your Right to “Reasonable Accommodation” Employers cannot reject you simply because their office isn’t accessible. They are legally required to make adjustments (like installing ramps, buying screen readers, or allowing flexible hours) unless it causes them “undue burden.”
Retirement Benefit The mandatory retirement age for persons with disabilities is 60 years (5 years above the standard retirement age), giving you more time to earn and save.
Section 3: Protection & Safety
Banning Harmful Practices It is now a serious crime for anyone to:
Conceal (hide) a person with a disability from the public.
Perform harmful cultural rituals or make accusations of witchcraft/curses.
Deny food, fluids, or medical care due to disability.
Right to Education Schools cannot refuse admission based on disability. They must provide inclusive learning environments (Section 20).