On November 28, 2024, USIU-Africa marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities ahead of the globally recognized date of 3rd December, as students prepare for their upcoming exams set to begin on the same day. This early celebration demonstrated the university's commitment to prioritizing disability inclusion and raising awareness while accommodating its academic calendar. The event reinforced USIU-Africa's status as a leader in inclusivity and its dedication to creating an environment where all individuals, regardless of ability, can thrive.

The day’s events commenced with the launch of a new accessible bus at Parking Lot B. Students, faculty representatives, and invited guests gathered to witness a live demonstration of the bus’s features, showcasing how it facilitates mobility for individuals with disabilities. This milestone highlighted the university’s commitment to providing inclusive transportation options, ensuring equitable access to campus facilities, and addressing mobility challenges. The new bus serves as a symbol of USIU-Africa’s dedication to removing barriers and fostering accessibility.

After the bus demonstration, attendees proceeded to the auditorium for the main event. The program began with opening remarks by Mr. Ellon Bett, the Student Council Representative for Persons with Disabilities. In his address, Mr. Bett reflected on the university's significant progress in advancing the inclusion agenda. He highlighted achievements such as the representation of persons with disabilities and other minority groups within the student governance structure. Mr. Bett also commended the institution for consistently celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities for the past three years, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and fostering a culture of acceptance and equity.

Following Mr. Bett’s remarks, the President of the Student Council, Mr. Luat Dudi, addressed the audience. He reaffirmed the council's unwavering commitment to promoting inclusion and prioritizing accessibility in all aspects of university life. Mr. Dudi's speech aligned with the theme of the day, encouraging the university community to continue championing inclusivity as a shared responsibility.

The University of Nairobi made a notable contribution to the event by presenting a skit that illustrated the transformative power of inclusive higher education. The presentation emphasized how accessible education creates opportunities for students with disabilities, enabling them to overcome barriers and achieve their potential. This collaboration between universities underscored the shared commitment to advancing inclusion across Kenya’s higher education landscape.

Representatives from Light for the World also attended as honored guests. Esther Otieno, speaking on behalf of the organization, stressed the need to extend the conversation on inclusion beyond boardrooms and into the public sphere. She advocated for a national approach to disability inclusion, urging stakeholders to leverage mainstream platforms such as media to amplify the message and reach marginalized communities.

USIU-Africa’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr. Victor Boiyo, delivered a keynote speech outlining the institution's ongoing journey toward becoming a fully inclusive campus. He identified people, places, processes, and policies as key pillars of the inclusion agenda. Dr. Boiyo provided updates on the implementation of recommendations from the June 2023 audit conducted in partnership with the University of Arizona and Light for the World. He highlighted the progress made in making processes more accessible, improving physical and digital infrastructure, and influencing institutional policies to reflect a commitment to disability inclusion.

Dr. Boiyo expressed optimism for the future, suggesting that stakeholders reconvene next year to reflect on achievements and evaluate milestones reached in advancing inclusion at both institutional and national levels. He emphasized the importance of assessing the impact of these efforts on individuals, organizations, and society as a whole, reaffirming USIU-Africa’s commitment to driving positive change.

The event concluded with a collective pledge to continue building on the progress made and to work towards a more inclusive future. The celebration served as both a reflection of the strides taken and a call to action for all stakeholders to remain steadfast in their efforts to champion disability inclusion across Kenya and beyond.