Assessment of Disability Mainstreaming Policy Implementation Status in Selected Public Universities in Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the implementation of disability mainstreaming policies in public universities in Kenya. The specific objectives of this study were to; Find out the stake holder's perception on disability mainstreaming policies in Public Universities in Kenya, Establish the extent to which the disability mainstreaming policies in public universities in Kenya are being implemented, Assess the impact of the existing disability mainstreaming policies in public universities in Kenya and Identify the challenges to the implementation of disability mainstreaming policies in public universities in Kenya. Stratified sampling technique was used to sample student leaders and students with disabilities to get a more representative sample. Purposive sampling was used to select Heads of Disability Mainstreaming Units/ Committees, Officers in charge of Human Resource, Dean of Students and finally Officer in charge of disability mainstreaming at the National Council for People with Disabilities (NCPWDs). A Descriptive Survey Design was adopted since it gathers data from a relatively larger number of cases at a particular time. Instruments for data collection were questionnaires, document analysis and observation schedules. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22 was used to generate tables, graphs and statistical parameter estimates. The study established that Universities have initiated activities like trainings, student’s associations, awareness, staff associations and sports days for students and staff with disabilities though most universities do not provide assistive devices for persons with disabilities. There is a budgetary allocation towards the implementation of disability mainstreaming policies; however, the allocation is inadequate. The success of the existing disability mainstreaming policies is majorly hindered by inadequate resources. The major challenges faced by all the universities include inadequate funding, inadequate physical facilities and resources, the unfriendly environment and low enrollment rate of students with disabilities. The study concluded that most universities have disability mainstreaming policies which they are implementing but not fully. The study recommends that Universities should look for other means of getting funds instead of solely relying on the government funds. Government should support universities to access the needed funds to enable them implement the disability mainstreaming policies smoothly. There should be constant review of the existing Disability Mainstreaming Policies to ensure that all standards are attained.