Benter Bella Mboya Partners With ILO to Drive Disability Inclusion and Decent Work in Kenya

Kisumu administrator Benter Bella Mboya joins the ILO to develop inclusive labor policies and enforce employment quotas for persons with disabilities in Kenya.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 5:52 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from International Labour Organization

The Fight for Inclusive Professional Spaces

Benter Bella Mboya, a Village Administrator in Kisumu County, has emerged as a pivotal voice in the movement for disability inclusive labor policies in Kenya. Despite facing significant structural hurdles during her own career journey, including inaccessible public buildings and a lack of inclusive transport, Mboya was selected for her current role from a massive pool of over 1,600 applicants. Her journey illustrates the persistent gap between talent and accessibility, driving her to advocate for systems where individuals with disabilities can perform their duties without being hindered by physical or social barriers.

Collaborative Framework for Social Justice

The International Labour Organization is currently spearheading a multi agency effort in Kenya to strengthen inclusive systems and services. This program, supported by the Global Disability Fund, brings together a diverse coalition including UNICEF, UNFPA, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. By involving the Federation of Kenya Employers and the Central Organization of Trade Unions, the initiative ensures that policy changes are grounded in the realities of the local labor market while adhering to international standards of social justice and decent work.

Developing Practical Tools for National Reform

One of the primary achievements of this collaboration is the creation of specific guidelines designed to ensure the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in national discussions. These tools include a comprehensive training module on disability rights intended for both state and non state actors. By providing clear guidance on how to implement the national 5 percent employment quota, the program aims to move beyond theoretical support and toward measurable increases in workforce representation for marginalized groups.