Patrick Njoroge: Launch of the Persons with Disability Digital Accessibility Report

Remarks by Dr Patrick Njoroge, Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, at the Launch of the Persons with Disability Digital Accessibility Report, 2 December 2020.

The views expressed in this speech are those of the speaker and not the view of the BIS.

Good morning, Good afternoon, Good evening! I am delighted to join you today for the launch of the Persons with Disability Digital Access Report. Let me express my appreciation to the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) for the invite. The timing of this event is indeed apt coming on the eve of the International Day of Disabled Persons which aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

According to the World Bank, 15 percent of the world population experience some form of disability with high prevalence in the developing countries. In Kenya, as per the 2019 census statistics, 2.2 percent of Kenyans are living with some form of disability. Of this population, only 0.5 percent are included within the financial system. This is a significant level of financial exclusion that needs to be urgently addressed.

On a broader front, the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that seeks to ensure shared prosperity for all global citizens is disability inclusive.