Wilson Nderitu Macharia is one of Kenya’s most resolute voices in the fight for disability inclusion.
His work spans initiatives that strengthen the participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in political and public life, pushing institutions to acknowledge and uphold their rights.
Over the years, Macharia has contributed to major national and international projects.
He helped develop strategies for competency building in social risk management under the World Bank and served as a member of the Reference Group for the University of Nairobi’s School of Law Disability Rights Project, which conducted baseline research on disability rights in Kenya.
His mission is clear: to advance a human-rights-based approach to inclusion and turn it from theory into everyday practice across Kenya and Africa.
He says this drive comes from witnessing bias and discrimination up close.
“I have always wanted society to see persons with disabilities as equal participants—people who deserve the same chances as anyone else,” he says.
His work reflects that conviction. Macharia advocates for access to justice, socio-economic rights, and digital inclusion for PWDs, vulnerable groups, and marginalised communities.
He has consistently challenged policies that undermine dignity and equality.
Recently, he made headlines after winning a discrimination case against I&M Bank.
The bank had insisted that he provide a power of attorney or sign an indemnity deed before opening an account, conditions that no other customer was subjected to.
He challenged the requirement in court and won, marking a significant victory for disability rights and equal treatment in financial services.
At ICJ, Macharia continues to amplify voices often pushed to the margins.
He says the work can be demanding, but deeply rewarding.
“Sometimes it is hard to measure how your work touches people. But when you see policies shift, practices change, and your advocacy improving lives—that gives me the push to do even more.”
Macharia’s journey began in Naivasha, where he grew up determined to become a lawyer long before most children understand what law even is.
Though many doubted him, his parents nurtured his ambition.
When he received an admission letter to the University of Nairobi, he was ready, only to be advised to pursue a degree in education, a field the university deemed more “suitable” for students with disabilities.
He refused.
After confirming he had qualified for law school, he insisted on his rightful place.
That moment set the tone for the life he leads today: challenging assumptions, confronting discrimination, and proving every day that disability is never a measure of capability.
–Sam Kiplagat