Makueni Paravolley Team practicing for the coming National Competitions which will be held this week in Makueni. Photo by Andrew Mbuva. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Makueni County will tomorrow join the rest of the world in marking the International Day of People with Disability, with a major celebration slated for the Police Grounds opposite Makueni Boys National School.
The event, themed “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” is expected to draw persons with disabilities, partner organisations, county leaders, and supporters from across the region.
According to Justice Katumo, the Secretary General of Paravolley Kenya and Chair of the Makueni Paravolley Team, the day offers both a moment of celebration and a platform to highlight outstanding gaps that still hinder full inclusion.
Katumo noted that the 2025 commemoration is a critical opportunity to honour milestones made in empowering persons with disabilities while reflecting on areas where progress has lagged.
“We want to celebrate what Makueni County has achieved. His Excellency Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr has worked hard to ensure persons with disabilities are included in government and many sectors,” he said. “Although we have not fully arrived, we have seen notable progress and we have a lot to celebrate.”
The celebration, however, will also spotlight persistent challenges—including failure to meet the 5% employment threshold for persons with disabilities, inaccessible public structures, and insufficient budgeting for disability-related needs. Katumo said these concerns must be addressed if the county is to align fully with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and build a genuinely inclusive society.
The event will begin with a vibrant procession at 8:00 am from Junction Mall, before moving to the main venue at the Police Grounds for speeches, exhibitions, sports demonstrations, and engagements with stakeholders. Katumo extended an open invitation to all persons with disabilities, partners, and members of the public to take part.
“We welcome everyone to come, celebrate with us, voice our needs, and engage one another as we push for a more inclusive Makueni,” he said, adding that activities will run from 10:00 am to around 3:00 pm.
The annual UN observance, marked on December 3 worldwide, is dedicated to raising awareness, promoting rights, and enhancing understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities.
As Makueni joins the global community in this year’s event, the hope is that the celebration will be both a reflection of progress and a renewed call to action for a more inclusive future.
