Socio-economic factors influencing the inclusion of people with disabilities in Kenya's development agenda: a case study of Loima sub-county, Turkana County

Abstract

Every community comprises individuals with disabilities who are a normal part of daily life, yet the historical marginalization of people with disabilities has been a significant characteristic. Governments and international organizations are now undertaking a global commitment to ensuring equal access to social and economic opportunities for people with disabilities. This study examines the socio-economic factors affecting the inclusion of people with disabilities (PWDs) in the development agenda of Loima SubCounty, Turkana County, Kenya. Despite initiatives to advance disability rights, PWDs continue to face substantial barriers to full participation in social, economic, and political activities due to entrenched negative societal attitudes, inadequate resources, and weak policy enforcement. The primary objectives were to assess the impact of social attitudes, evaluate resource availability, explore coping strategies employed by PWDs, and examine the influence of national policies on their inclusion. The study will be guided by the following objectives; to establish social attitudes and behaviors that affect inclusion of people with disabilities in development agenda in Loima Sub County in Turkana County, to assess whether availability of resources and support services for people with disabilities influences their inclusion in development agenda in Loima Sub County in Turkana County, to explore the coping strategies used by people with iv disabilities to enhance their inclusion in development agenda in Loima Sub County in Turkana County and finally to find out the extent to which national policies related to disability have influenced inclusion of people with disabilities in development agenda in Loima Sub County in Turkana County. A descriptive survey design was adopted, involving 363 PWDs selected through multi-stage sampling. Data collection utilized questionnaires and interviews, with analysis conducted using descriptive statistics, Chisquare tests, ANOVA, Correlation Analysis, and Multivariate Logistic Regression.Key findings showed that 75.3% of respondents identified negative societal attitudes as a major barrier, while 33.5% received cash transfers and 14.4% accessed assistive devices. Employment opportunities were scarce, with only 2.3% of PWDs reporting access to jobs. PWDs employed coping mechanisms such as forming self-help groups and advocacy, though 87.1% of respondents experienced persistent discrimination, particularly in education.Statistical analysis revealed that community acceptance and opportunities for participation were not uniformly distributed (p < 0.001). ANOVA showed significant differences in perceptions of resource availability (p = 0.002), while Correlation Analysis indicated a strong link between stereotypes and social isolation (r = 0.74). Multivariate regression found that negative social attitudes (OR = 2.5, p = 0.001) significantly predicted exclusion, with improved resource availability reducing exclusion (OR = 0.7, p = 0.005).The study concludes that enhancing public awareness, improving access to resources, and strengthening policy enforcement are essential to improving PWD inclusion in decision-making, education, and employment in Loima Sub-County. The study recommends that there is need to launch community education programs to challenge negative stereotypes and misconceptions about disabilities, targeting all age groups and involving schools, workplaces, and community organizations.