The second theme views disability as virtuous suffering. The belief that disability indicates punishment for wrongdoing and mars the divine image in humans has often barred those with disabilities from positions of leadership or stigmatized them for their presumed lack of faith. The first is conflating disability with sin. Traditional Biblical and Theological Perspectives on DisabilityĮiesland (1994:73-74) identifies three theological themes that have created obstacles for PWD. This paper analyses Biblical and theological perspectives on disability, considers their implications on the rights of PWD in Kenya, and assesses the work of the church in Kenya in relation to disability rights. This is evident in the experiences recounted by PWD. The Bible is intermingled with texts that have been interpreted in oppressive ways and together these continue to reinforce the marginalization and exclusion of PWD in the social, economic, political, and religious life of the society. Theological interpretations of disability have significantly shaped the ways in which society relates to PWD. One of the major root causes for the discriminatory acts against PWD in Kenya is religion-related. This inhibits the ability of PWD to become productive members of the society (Centre for Disability Rights, 2007). For instance, employment practices tend to favour people without disabilities. The lives of PWD continue to be marked by experiences of discrimination, prejudice, and inequality. They are further meant to facilitate the full participation of PWD in all sectors of society.ĭespite these efforts, the rights of PWD in Kenya are not always upheld. The purposes of the Convention and the Act are to promote, protect, and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity. They include the formulation of the United Nation's Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) and Kenya's Persons with Disabilities Act (2004). The rights of people with disabilities (PWD) are well protected in existing international, regional, and national human rights instruments. With a population estimated at 32.2 million, a 2003 economic survey noted that approximately 3.2 million persons in Kenya have a disability. The Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) estimates that about 10% of the country's population have a form of disability.
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