Building Inclusive Workplaces: Highlights from the Employers’ Roundtable

zeina958
Sep 2
2 min read

Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa (KBTA), in partnership with Light for the World Kenya (LFTWK) and the Global Compact Network Kenya (GCNK), brought together business leaders, policymakers, and disability inclusion champions for the Employers’ Roundtable on Disability-Inclusive Employment.

The theme— “Accelerating the Implementation of Kenya’s Disability Act 2025” , set the tone for an inspiring day of bold conversations, powerful lived experiences, and actionable commitments.

Why This Roundtable Matters

In May 2025, Kenya made history by enacting the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025. The law requires all employers with 20 or more staff to ensure that at least 5% of their workforce are persons with disabilities.

It also:

Prohibits discrimination.
Mandates reasonable workplace accommodation.
Introduces tax reliefs and other incentives.

This is more than compliance—it’s about reshaping Kenya’s private sector to unlock talent, drive innovation, and foster workplaces of dignity.

“Inclusion is about fairness, dignity, and unleashing talent.” – Nelson Elisha, a graduate and job seeker Employer Journeys: Inclusion in Action — **“Inclusion is about fairness, dignity, and unleashing talent.”** – Nelson Elisha, a graduate and job seeker **Employer Journeys: Inclusion in Action**

The most powerful voices of the day came from young job seekers with disabilities, who bravely shared their experiences navigating barriers to employment. Their stories reminded everyone in the room why true inclusion cannot wait.

Panel discussion by Milkah Ongosi, Derrick Omondi, Breneen Maloba, Carolyne Munyua, Maryanne Nderu, and moderator: Faustina Ninga — *Panel discussion by Milkah Ongosi, Derrick Omondi, Breneen Maloba, Carolyne Munyua, Maryanne Nderu, and moderator:* *Faustina Ninga*

From Old Mutual Kenya to East African Breweries PLC (EABL), African Coffee Roasters, and Collection Africa Ltd, employers showcased how inclusive hiring is already fueling business growth, innovation, and competitiveness.

These stories proved that inclusion is not charity. It’s not just CSR. It’s a business imperative.

"We are here to walk this journey with you, offering a strong talent pipeline, workplace enablement support, and helping your workforce to embrace inclusion in the workplace. But ultimately, it is your commitment that will make the difference."

Suparna Biswas, Executive Director, KBTA

Leaders’ Call to Action

Key voices called for stronger commitments from the private sector:

Suparna Biswas (KBTA) : Emphasized collective employer action.
Judy Njino (GCNK): Urged companies to embed inclusion into strategy, culture, and governance.
Mativu Richard Musau, OGW (LFTWK): Stressed partnerships and practical solutions.

Susan Wekesa (NCPWD), Suparna Biswas (KBTA), Richard Mativu (LFTWK), and Judy Njino (GCNK)

Key Takeaways

🎯 Inclusion is not Charity. Inclusion is not CSR. Inclusion is a Business Imperative.🎯 Employers need to move beyond awareness to action.

🎯 Accessibility, partnerships, and leadership commitment are critical.

🎯 Real change happens when inclusion is embedded into strategy, culture, and governance.

What’s Next?

We are not stopping here.

📢 Upcoming Webinar: A follow-up deep dive into the Disability Act, 2025, and its practical implications for employers. Stay tuned for details!

A Challenge for You

What one concrete step can your organization take today to become more inclusive?

Fill the Employers' Inclusion Pledge here: https://forms.gle/qtsUUBMxN6w1yyE7A

Together, we can build workplaces where every young person, regardless of ability, thrives with dignity, independence, and opportunity.