KISE Eyes Regional Leadership as Health Sector Partners Back Disability Inclusion Agenda

The Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), the Ministry of Health, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) are exploring a strategic partnership aimed at transforming healthcare access and rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities across the country.

The discussions took place during a high-level consultative meeting involving the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Andrew Toro, and CHAI Kenya Deputy Country Director Rosemary Kihoto. The meeting focused on identifying key areas of collaboration to strengthen support systems for persons with disabilities and promote inclusive service delivery.

Among the priority areas discussed were infrastructure development, technical support, expansion of clinic and therapy services, local manufacturing of assistive devices, staffing support, and ensuring the security of pharmaceutical commodities. The stakeholders also explored ways of enhancing access to healthcare through the Social Health Authority (SHA) benefit package.

The proposed partnership seeks to advance research, training, and capacity building for healthcare professionals, including the promotion of Kenya Sign Language (KSL) skills among medical personnel. Caregiver training and the positioning of KISE as a regional centre of excellence for specialized education and rehabilitation services also featured prominently in the discussions.

In addition, the parties explored preventive and promotive health initiatives, public awareness campaigns, community sensitization, and the strengthening of referral pathways to ensure persons with disabilities receive timely and quality services.

The engagement underscored a shared commitment by KISE, the Ministry of Health, and CHAI to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities through innovation, collaboration, and inclusive healthcare solutions.

Following the meeting, the delegation toured KISE facilities, including the upcoming KISE Assistive Devices Factory, a landmark project expected to significantly increase local production of assistive devices and improve accessibility to essential support services for learners and persons with disabilities.

The leaders expressed optimism that the collaboration will translate into impactful interventions that advance inclusion, accessibility, and equitable healthcare services across Kenya.