Strategies for Implementation of Disability Mainstreaming Policies in Public Libraries, in Reference to Kenya National Libraries,Meru,Kisumu and Nakuru Branches

Abstract

Persons living with disabilities numbers (PWDs) is growing globally (WHO, 2011). According to research conducted by Kenya National Survey for people with disabilities, indicate prevalence of disability as 4.6 percent. Visual, physical, hearing, and mental disabilities are the most common. In 2008,the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was enforced as disabled persons were experiencing discrimination in absorption to employment and promotion rates, remuneration, access to training, credit facilities and other resources which led to their rare participation in decision making for economic concerns. With the provision of a paradigm shift by UN Convention's, PWDs are now seen as persons capable of asserting their rights, making decisions based on free and informed consent, and participating fully in society. Disability mainstreaming issues have recently gained more attention around the world, with efforts to integrate people with disabilities critical to achieving the United Nations SDG and Kenya Vision 2030. Despite Kenya Government’s efforts in developing policies, constitution and regulations provisions in protecting persons living with disabilities, they still face problems associated with marginalization in Kenya. Many public institutions’ areas of service are not disable friendly facilities. The crux of this study therefore is to investigate strategies for implementation and mainstreaming of disability policies in public libraries. The study shall investigate existing government policies, management commitment, resource allocation, challenges experienced and possible solutions. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected using descriptive research design. The study was carried out at the Meru, Kisumu and Nakuru, Kenya National Library Services branches. Stratified and Purposive sampling was used in selecting respondents from different sections and departments. Questionnaires were used as data collection instruments, as well as document analysis and observation schedules. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used in analysis and graph generation. The study findings established there were government policies that were in place and had been fully implemented although with challenges.