Why Kenyan NGOs Are Now Demanding "Accessibility Statements" (And How to Add One)

The New Procurement Requirement

You're bidding for a consultancy contract with an international NGO. You've nailed the technical proposal. But then you see a checkbox in the supplier registration form: "Please provide a link to your organisation's Web Accessibility Statement." You don't have one. You scramble to understand what it is. You might even lose points.

Accessibility statements are no longer a "nice-to-have" for websites. They're increasingly a procurement requirement, especially for NGOs and government agencies that prioritise inclusion. Having one on your site is a signal that your organisation values digital access for all users, including persons with disabilities.

What Is a Web Accessibility Statement?

It's a short, visible page on your website that states your commitment to making your site usable by people with disabilities. It typically includes:

• Your commitment statement: "We are committed to ensuring that our website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities."
• The standard you aim for: "We aim to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA."
• Known limitations: "Some older PDFs may not be fully accessible. If you encounter any issues, please contact us."
• Contact information for accessibility feedback: "If you have difficulty accessing any part of this site, please email us at [email protected] or call 07XX XXX XXX."
• The date of last update: "This statement was last reviewed on 1st July 2026."

How to Create and Publish Your Statement

You don't need to be a technical expert. Follow these steps:

1. Draft the statement using the template above.
2. Conduct a basic accessibility check of your site (colour contrast, alt text on images, keyboard navigation). Fix the easiest issues.
3. Create a dedicated page on your site, e.g., yourbrand.co.ke/accessibility.
4. Link it in your footer and in your procurement/compliance page.
5. Update the date every time you make significant site changes.

Having an accessibility statement is not just about compliance; it's a statement of values. It tells procurement officers that you think inclusively, which reflects positively on your overall capacity to serve diverse beneficiaries.

Don't let a missing statement cost you a tender. Add it to your site this week.

Add an Accessibility Statement to My Site →