Crystal Asige condemns medical fees targeting persons with disabilities
By Mustafa Juma, October 8, 2025Nominated Senator Crystal Asige has called out medical facilities that continue to charge persons with disabilities for assessment services, terming the practice unlawful, discriminatory, and contrary to Kenya’s commitment to equality and inclusion.
In a statement issued via her official X account on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Senator Asige said she has involved the Senate Labour and Social Welfare Committee to investigate why Kenyans living with disabilities are still being forced to pay medical assessment fees despite the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, clearly providing that such services must be free.
“I am involving the Senate Labour and Social Welfare Committee to get to the bottom of why persons with disabilities continue to be charged medical assessment fees in several facilities despite clear provisions in the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025,” she stated.
Also watch: Crystal Asige advocating for the rights of people living with disabilities.
Unfair financial barriers
The senator emphasised that the continued imposition of assessment charges creates unfair financial barriers for Kenyans seeking official recognition and access to state support programmes.
“These charges create unfair financial barriers for Kenyans seeking official recognition and support for their disabilities. Such practices contradict our national commitment to equality, dignity, and inclusion,” she wrote on X.
Uniform disability assessments
Asige further underscored the need for uniform and accessible disability assessments across the country, insisting that access to these services is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
“Access to disability assessments must be free, fair, and uniform across the country,” Asige stated.
The lawmaker also commended Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, the Senate Minority Whip, for stepping in on her behalf to advance the issue in the Senate during her absence.
Asige, who has been a vocal advocate for disability rights and inclusion in Kenya, reiterated her commitment to ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are respected and enforced, adding that the Senate will hold accountable any institution violating the law.