Kenya Boosts Access to Assistive Technology with 1,000-Wheelchair Donation

 Kenya has taken a major step toward expanding access to assistive technology after signing a donation agreement for 1,000 wheelchairs to support the Ministry of Health’s ATscale Project.

The agreement, executed between the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Medical Services and Latter-day Saint Charities (LDSC), is aligned with Kenya’s broader Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, which aims to improve access to essential health products and technologies nationwide.

Once delivered, the wheelchairs will be distributed through the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), ensuring equitable access for persons with mobility challenges across all regions.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Principal Secretary emphasized the importance of strengthening community-level screening, assessment, and diagnosis to ensure assistive devices reach the right beneficiaries, particularly at the grassroots level.

He also highlighted progress made under the ATscale Project, including training rehabilitation personnel from county and national referral facilities on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 8-Step Wheelchair Service Provision model. According to officials, this initiative has significantly improved the delivery of quality, user-centered rehabilitation services.

The Principal Secretary further noted the need to optimize existing benefits under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to enhance access to assistive technologies and strengthen overall service delivery.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Health, including Dr. Andrew Toro, Director of Curative Services; Dr. Saleh Bardad, Head of Clinical Services; and Ms. Irene Gichohi, Head of Rehabilitative Services.

Representatives from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) were also present, including Rosemary Kihoto, Deputy Country Director; Kennedy Mugambi, Program Officer for the Assistive Technology Program; and Nicholas Nyamweya, Project Manager for the ATscale Project. LDSC was represented by Mr. Johnny Baddoo, Area Welfare and Self-Reliance Manager; Mr. Peter Ondigo, Nairobi West Stake President; and Mr. Robinson Aliero, Public Affairs Manager.

This donation marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to expand inclusive healthcare, ensuring that people with disabilities have better access to essential assistive services.