NITA Calls for Inclusive Reforms to Open Workplaces for Persons With Disabilities

The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) Director of Industrial Training and Skills Development Ms. Jane Kamau has called on employers to implement intentional reforms in training and employment systems to make workplaces more accessible for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Ms. Kamau noted that while strides have been made in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), key challenges such as language mismatches in training, digital exclusion and a lack of workplace accessibility continue to lock out many qualified PWDs.

She emphasized the urgent need for inclusive curricula, industry-aligned certifications and more employers to step up in creating disability-friendly work environments.

Ms. Kamau spoke on Wednesday at the JW Marriott Hotel in Nairobi during a high level roundtable on “Skills Gap and Employment” at the 6th Inclusive Africa Conference, organized by inABLE, a non- profit organization, in partnership with MasterCard Foundation.

The Director further challenged employers to move beyond tokenism and invest in inclusive infrastructure, technologies and customized onboarding processes. She implored employers to consider integrating PWD helpers in work places as part of broader inclusion efforts.