Despite the myriad challenges faced by persons living with disabilities even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of the global health crisis has been particularly severe, especially for those residing in informal settlements. We conducted interviews with persons living with disabilities in both Kibera and Mathare slums to shed light on how they have coped since the pandemic was declared in the country in 2020.

The indomitable spirit of individuals living with disabilities has shattered the notion that disability equates to inability. They have proven that their physical limitations do not hinder their ability to achieve their goals. However, in Kenya, numerous factors contribute to the success or struggles faced by individuals with disabilities. Peter Omamango, born with a disability, emphasises the importance of being recognized as a person with a disability within “the system.”

Initially, the focus was on understanding how persons living with disabilities in informal settlements navigate physical distance and maintain good hygiene amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic. Peter Omamango, a father of five, resides in a cramped single-room house where practising physical distancing is nearly impossible. Informal settlements, characterised by overpopulation, make it difficult for residents to adhere to social or physical distancing guidelines. Wearing masks becomes a necessity solely to avoid arrest.

The number of positive COVID-19 cases in informal settlements continues to surge daily, potentially exceeding the figures officially announced by the Ministry of Health. The overcrowding exacerbates the situation, and it is also plausible that a significant percentage of Kenyans are asymptomatic. Evans Shitandi, a resident of Mathare Slum, shares similar challenges. With six of his eight children living with him, Evans highlights the scarcity of water, a vital resource for maintaining sanitation.

Moreover, the living conditions in single-room dwellings further hinder physical distancing measures. Holding onto objects and surfaces with bare hands becomes inevitable, irrespective of the building’s purpose. Evans emphasises the absence of support within the slum community, where individuals must fend for themselves, often struggling to make it through the day without assistance.

As we transition to the Kibera slum, we meet Florence, a 30-year-old mother of two. Florence sustained severe burns on her hands and face during the 2007-2008 post-election violence, resulting in the loss of two children and limited functionality of her fingers. She makes every effort to practise physical distancing, especially with her children.

Access to employment remains a constant struggle for persons living with disabilities, compounded by prevailing social stigma. Florence, the sole provider for her family, describes how the COVID-19 pandemic has led to days without food due to financial constraints. The implementation of curfew hours further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals like Evans, whose daily earnings have significantly diminished. On the rare occasion of a profitable day, he can earn approximately 200 shillings, while other days he is compelled to borrow simply to make ends meet.

Being recognized within “the system” is pivotal for persons with disabilities. It requires obtaining a registration card, but for individuals like Evans, securing a crutch from the National Council of Persons with Disabilities has proven elusive despite multiple attempts. Only after media attention highlighted their plight did Evans manage to acquire a durable crutch. He shares his frustration, expressing disbelief at the difficulties faced by individuals with disabilities seeking employment opportunities.

In Kibera, an estimated 1,800 people live with disabilities among a population of 350,000 to 500,000. Richard Ongongo, representing people with disabilities in Kibra, mentions that the government allocated 200 million shillings to support persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many individuals assert that they have not received any financial assistance or relief from the government, despite their vulnerable circumstances.

The criteria employed to determine eligibility for government aid often appear perplexing, leaving many individuals with disabilities feeling excluded and disregarded during this crucial time when support is most needed.

These interviews were conducted during the Covid-19 Pandemic in 2020.