Some applicants have been securing employment over minor physical conditions Lawmakers and senior government officials have raised concerns over what they describe as a growing trend of Kenyans allegedly faking disabilities to secure state jobs, political nominations and access to taxpayer-funded benefits.
The claims emerged during a tense session of the Delegated Legislation Committee, which met with Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua. Members of Parliament sitting in the committee, chaired by Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga, questioned CS Mutua over fears that weak systems were being exploited by people with money, influence or connections.
They said weak oversight mechanisms were allowing some applicants to abuse disability certification, potentially locking out genuinely vulnerable Kenyans while straining public resources. “We have seen genuine people, and then there are those who are superficial.
Some wealthy beneficiaries use disability papers to jump queues for state opportunities,” said Kiambu Town MP Waithaka Machua. The Kiambu lawmaker further alleged that an individual had claimed disability status to qualify for nomination to the Nairobi County Assembly, only to leave office afterward.
The committee was also told that some applicants have been securing disability status for minor physical conditions while continuing to live comfortably and compete for benefits meant for those in genuine need. The concerns touch on Kenya’s affirmative action and welfare systems, where persons living with disabilities are entitled to special hiring consideration, tax relief, social support and political representation.
Committee members sought clarity on whether all persons with disabilities would automatically qualify as needy under the proposed Social Protection General Regulations, 2026, warning that such an approach could lead to abuse. CS Mutua acknowledged the concerns, saying the ministry was aware of existing loopholes and was working on tighter operational procedures to ensure support reaches deserving citizens.
“We need clear bounds and boundaries so that the system is not misused. Disability on its own does not mean vulnerability. We must assess the individual’s overall circumstances, including income and household conditions, to ensure that support and opportunities reach those who truly need it,” said Mutua.