"Persons who are often underrepresented in the disability movement; those with intellectual disabilities, psychosocial disabilities, women and girls with disabilities and persons with multiple disabilities need to be heard and included. Their voices matter in shaping the disability agenda," Nduta emphasised.
Board Chairperson Eric Ngondi reinforced UDPK's commitment to inclusion and non-discrimination, stating: "Our journey has been one of professionalism, teamwork, integrity and accountability. We have set ourselves strategic priorities, including strengthening support for our members, advocating for policy changes, and influencing legal frameworks to advance disability rights."
The newly launched strategic plan is anchored on four key pillars: membership support and engagement, policy advocacy and legal influence, data monitoring and evaluation, and organisational development.
Under membership support, UDPK seeks to strengthen linkages with organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) in counties where they currently do not exist.
The plan also emphasises capacity-building initiatives to enhance governance and advocacy efforts within OPDs. "We aim to leave no one behind by ensuring targeted campaigns for women, youth and underrepresented disability groups while fostering collaboration and shared learning among our members," Nduta explained.
Policy advocacy remains a core focus, with organisations working to influence disability-inclusive policies at both national and county levels. This includes ensuring that climate action, healthcare, disaster risk reduction and humanitarian responses integrate considerations for persons with disabilities.
"We have been engaging employers, including major corporations like Safaricom, East African Breweries and Coca-Cola, to promote inclusive workplaces. Persons with disabilities are not just job seekers; they are also consumers. Businesses that exclude them are missing out on a significant market segment," Nduta noted. She further stressed the importance of skills training for employability, citing partnerships with institutions such as the National Industrial Training Authority to equip young persons with disabilities with IT skills.
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In addition, UDPK is actively addressing gender-based violence (GBV) against persons with disabilities.
"We cannot ignore the reality that persons with disabilities can be both victims and perpetrators of GBV. Our approach must be holistic; working with law enforcement, strengthening survivor support systems and expanding safe spaces. We need inclusive policies that recognise the unique vulnerabilities of persons with disabilities in gender-based violence cases," Nduta remarked.
Anne-Sophie Fabricius, Senior Advisor for International Development Cooperation at Disabled People of Denmark (DPOD), commended UDPK's strategic direction. "This process has been crucial in ensuring that OPDs find a way to move forward together. Unity within the disability movement, coupled with strong and committed partnerships, is essential for success," she said.
Looking ahead to 2029, OPDs are envisioned to be revitalised and county networks across all 47 counties, stronger policy influence to embed disability inclusion in governance and increased socio-economic participation of persons with disabilities. "We want to ensure that by 2029, we have significantly reduced disability-related stigma and built an organisation that is financially sustainable and resilient," Nduta said.