Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) Vice Chancellor Prof Laila Abubakar has called on public institutions to fully modify their policies and structures for seamless integration of persons living with disabilities.

She said TUM on its part has made headways towards mainstreaming disability inclusion.

The university’s initiatives have included ensuring all its buildings are accessible to persons with disabilities and the efforts to provide job opportunities for individuals with disabilities, she said.   

“As TUM, we are fully committed to the policy of disability inclusion,” Prof Laila said when addressing the Mombasa County Disability Inclusion Dialogue held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Methodist Church.

The event, organized by the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), celebrated 20 years of diversity and inclusion in Kenya.

Apart from Prof Laila, other key guests in attendance included Mr Jonathan Metet (TUM's Disability Inclusion Champion ), Ms Anastasia Nabukenya (Director Ethics and Governance, Mombasa County Public Service Board), and Hon. Ramla Said (Former Nominated MCA Mombasa County).

Addressing the same event, Gladys Koech from APDK Coast, underscored the importance of creating a barrier-free society for persons with disabilities.

Ms Ramla Ahmed made a presentation on the “Four As,” a framework outlining how persons with disabilities prefer to be treated across various environments. 

The main objective of this event was to foster an inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities through awareness and promotion of equal opportunities for all.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony where TUM was recognized as  the top institution in Mombasa County for its efforts in promoting disability inclusion.