National Accessibility, Usability and Gender Equity Audit
We are moving beyond commitments. This audit establishes real-time, evidence-based assessments of how public-facing institutions deliver inclusive, accessible, and equitable services across Kenya.
Audit Window
9
February 202610
April 2026Why This Audit Matters
National Accountability
Serves as a mechanism to verify inclusion commitments with tangible data, ensuring institutions walk the talk.
Celebrating Excellence
Provides the verified data needed to identify and award true leadership in gender equality and disability inclusion.
Systemic Change
Drives shift in public service delivery and governance by identifying gaps and actionable improvements.
The Roadmap
Phased Engagement Schedule
The audit is structured over nine weeks to ensure adequate preparation, efficient coordination, and minimal service disruption.
Notification & Confirmation
9 – 13 Feb 2026
Key Activities: Issuance of engagement letters, confirmation of participation, and nomination of institutional focal persons.
Desk Review & Pre-Audit
16 – 27 Feb 2026
Key Activities: Submission of documents, policies, service charters, ICT and HR information; preliminary digital review.
On-Site / Virtual Assessments
2 – 27 Mar 2026
Key Activities: Physical accessibility assessments, service usability reviews, interviews, and verification of systems.
Validation & Clarifications
30 Mar – 3 Apr 2026
Key Activities: Clarification meetings, validation of preliminary findings, and data verification.
Analysis & Reporting
6 – 10 Apr 2026
Key Activities: Final scoring, report writing, internal quality assurance, and GEDI Awards verification input.
Audit Matrix Summary
The audit evaluates institutions across seven key domains to generate a holistic verification score for the GEDI Awards 2026.
Physical Accessibility
Key Focus
Entrances, ramps, lifts, washrooms, signage, emergency exits, service counters.
Methodology
On-site inspection using standardized accessibility checklists.
Outputs / Evidence
"Accessibility compliance score, photos, observations."
Digital Accessibility
Key Focus
Websites, portals, e-services, mobile apps, assistive technology compatibility.
Methodology
Desk review and functional testing (WCAG standards).
Outputs / Evidence
"Digital accessibility score, compliance gaps."
Communication & Info
Key Focus
Signage, public notices, alternative formats (Braille/Large Print), inclusive language.
Methodology
Observation, document review.
Outputs / Evidence
"Communication accessibility findings."
Service Usability
Key Focus
Service flow, waiting areas, staff responsiveness, feedback mechanisms.
Methodology
Observation, user experience (UX) review.
Outputs / Evidence
"Usability score and service improvement actions."
Gender Equity & Equality
Key Focus
Policies, leadership representation, gender-responsive services.
Methodology
Policy review, interviews, data analysis.
Outputs / Evidence
"Gender equity score and analysis."
Disability Inclusion
Key Focus
Employment inclusion, reasonable accommodations, staff awareness.
Methodology
Interviews, document review, observation.
Outputs / Evidence
"Disability inclusion score and gaps."
Governance & Compliance
Key Focus
Policies, compliance frameworks, monitoring systems.
Methodology
Desk review, management interviews.
Outputs / Evidence
"Governance & compliance score."
Overall Methodology
GDDC applies a structured, evidence-based approach ensuring consistent and fair assessment across all institutions[cite: 11].
What is Required from MDAs?
To ensure a transparent, structured, and efficient audit process, each participating Public Institution is requested to:
Appoint a Focal Person
Designate a primary contact to manage communication and logistics throughout the engagement.
Facilitate Access
Provide the audit team with access to relevant facilities, policy documents, and key staff members.
Coordinate Schedules
Align internal calendars to support smooth on-site or virtual engagements with minimal disruption.
Participate in Validation
Engage in clarification meetings to verify preliminary findings before the final report.
Audit Outputs & Deliverables
Participating institutions will receive a comprehensive evidence package to drive decision-making and recognition:
Official Audit Report
A detailed document outlining findings across all 7 domains.
Institutional Scorecard
A visual rating aligned to GEDI Awards indicators.
Action Plan
Practical, prioritized recommendations for improvement.
Awards Nomination
Verified data input for the GEDI Awards 2026 review.
Partner with Us for Inclusion
"This proposed schedule is designed to ensure a transparent, structured, and efficient audit process. GDDC looks forward to the cooperation and partnership of all MDAs."
Email Us
awards@gddckenya.org
Call Us
0710 176 700 | 0722 451 844