Must employers reserve jobs for persons with disabilities?
Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025 and Constitution of Kenya · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Every employer with at least 20 employees must reserve at least 5% of direct jobs for persons with disabilities, and the public service must make sure at least 5% of its positions go to persons with disabilities. Private employers who hire persons with disabilities can claim a tax deduction of 25% of their pay.
- Where
- Apply to employers directly; the National Council for Persons with Disabilities for job placement; the High Court to enforce the Act
Steps
- Job seekers with a disability can use the National Council for Persons with Disabilities job placement service, which refers applicants to openings.
- If any part of the Act is being broken against a person with disability, anyone can apply to the High Court for redress.
Watch out
- The tax deduction is for private employers: 25% of the salary and wages paid to employees, apprentices or learners with a disability.
- For elected and appointed public bodies, the Constitution sets a goal of at least 5% persons with disabilities, to be reached progressively.
- Separately from the quota, no employer may discriminate against a person with disability when they apply for a job.
- The 2025 Act replaced the old Persons with Disabilities Act (Cap. 133).
Who this covers
- Employers with at least 20 employees.
- National public bodies: at least 5% of employment positions.
- County public service: at least 5% of employment positions.
Official sources (3)
- Persons with Disabilities Act, No. 4 of 2025 new.kenyalaw.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Constitution of Kenya, 2010 new.kenyalaw.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- NCPWD Frequently Asked Questions ncpwd.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026