By Reuben Olita -Busia
Kenya Union for the Blind (KUB) Western Region Chairman, Alex Ekirapa, has called for an urgent review of extraneous allowances for persons with disabilities, citing the rising cost of living and the unique financial burdens they face.
In his statement, Ekirapa commended Kenyans for their continued dedication to nation-building, noting that their collective efforts are key to driving the country forward and inspiring hope for a better future.
He, however, urged the Government of Kenya, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), and private sector employers to take immediate action in reviewing and enhancing the extraneous allowance for persons with disabilities.
Ekirapa emphasized that inflation and the high cost of living have significantly strained households nationwide.
He noted that persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected due to additional and unavoidable expenses such as assistive devices, healthcare, specialized transportation, and personal support services.
To address these challenges, he proposed:
An increase in extraneous allowances to better reflect the real cost of living with a disability in Kenya today.
Prioritized salary reviews for employees with disabilities, aligned with national wage adjustments, to promote fairness, inclusion, and dignity in the workplace.
He further called on all relevant institutions, including SRC and COTU, to act swiftly and decisively to ensure that no worker is left behind.
