The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) on Wednesday signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), setting the stage for a strategic partnership aimed at fostering inclusivity for Persons with Disabilities in Kenya’s business ecosystem.
Speaking during the signing, KNCCI President Erick Rutto noted that the partnership underscores the Chamber’s commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in Kenya’s economic growth by ensuring that they have access to opportunities available to other entrepreneurs and the capacity to scale up their business.
“This MoU is a powerful statement by the Chamber on the organisations support for inclusivity in the business place for all, it is about creating sustainable economic value for businesses, communities, and the nation. An inclusive economy is a stronger economy, and this partnership paves the way for equal opportunity, innovation, and growth,” Dr. Rutto said.
Speaking on behalf of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Chief Executive Officer Eva Njoroge welcomed the partnership, describing it as timely as the Council begins implementing the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, which sets out clear obligations for businesses to embrace inclusivity.
She emphasised that KNCCI’s strength in policy influence and advocacy will be instrumental in ensuring successful rollout of the legislation, while the Council leverages the Chamber’s vast business networks to empower PWDs through training, capacity building, and access to opportunities.
“This partnership comes at a critical moment as we operationalise the PWD Act 2025. By combining KNCCI’s advocacy power and business reach with NCPWD’s technical expertise, we will not only enforce compliance but also unlock real opportunities for persons with disabilities to thrive as entrepreneurs, employees, and innovators,” Njoroge said.
Key areas of collaboration under the MoU include joint support for entrepreneurship initiatives, mentorship, incubators, networking, and access to markets for PWDs, women, and youth.
The MoU will also see collaboration in supporting businesses to comply with disability laws and champion non-discriminatory practices as envisioned in the PWD Act.
The two institutions have also agreed to co-develop digital and vocational training programs to enhance employability and entrepreneurial skills.
They will also engage in joint efforts to influence policies that promote economic inclusion, equal employment, and inclusive business practices.
They will also be conducting studies and sharing insights to inform better policies and programs as well as host expos, job fairs, and campaigns to showcase success stories of inclusive businesses.
Under the agreement, KNCCI will leverage its extensive national network across counties to create opportunities, mobilise members for jobs and mentorship, and advocate for inclusive policies. NCPWD will provide technical expertise in disability inclusion, design tailored training, and advise businesses on accessibility and inclusivity.
Both parties will also co-develop proposals and mobilise resources to support economic empowerment initiatives for PWDs, inclusive business development, training, and access to infrastructure and technology.
This partnership is expected to unlock possibilities and ensure that PWDs are fully integrated into Kenya’s business ecosystem—contributing to innovation, sustainable growth, and national prosperity.
