Renowned Kenyan gospel musician, politician, and social justice advocate Reuben Kigame has called on the government and private institutions to be more inclusive to people living with disabilities (PWDs).
Speaking during a visit to Thika High School for the Visually Impaired, Kigame, an alumnus of the institution (formerly Thika High School for the Blind), urged the government to distribute the Constitution in Braille and implement the universal disability friendly architecture in all public infrastructure.
He also called for sign language to be mandatory in all public spheres.
“Both government and private companies should invest in ICT tools and accessible buildings. The IEBC should also invest in facilities that enable people with disabilities to vote independently and securely,” he added.
He further challenged key sectors such as banks and restaurants to adopt inclusive practices.
“All banks should introduce Braille ATM cards and accessible documents to allow independent transactions. Hotels and restaurants should also have their menus in braille,” he emphasized.
Returning to the school where he honed his love for music and education, Kigame expressed heartfelt gratitude to the teachers, students, and community that shaped his formative years.
“I want to appreciate and commend institutions like UBA that are making deliberate efforts to serve persons with disabilities. UBA translated my documents into Braille and made it easier for me to make transactions. This should serve as a model for all service providers,” he said.
The visit was marked by the purchase of new musical equipment for the school through collaboration of the Reuben Kigame Foundation, The Kenya Society for the Blind, UBA Bank, and Eugina Park.
“Together with Kigame, we want to reaffirm our commitment to supporting education and empowering the visually impaired,” said Ivan Omondi, the head of advocacy and corporate relations at the Kenya Society of the Blind.
As a 2027 presidential aspirant, Kigame emphasized his commitment to human dignity, justice, character-driven leadership and people-centered development.
“Inclusivity is not charity but a constitutional right that strengthens the nation. This is my call to action for Kenyans to embrace inclusivity and accessibility for PWDs as a shared responsibility and strive towards creating a just society where every citizen can participate fully and equally.”
In addition, Kigame challenged the students to explore different areas of professional competence and grow their life skills, including cooking for themselves, ironing, washing clothes and mopping floors, starting businesses after school and even getting married.
He also challenged the government and the private sector to open more job opportunities to persons living with disability and ensure that capitation to schools is made on time.
