August 2025
Since November 2022, ATscale, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), has been dedicated to expanding access to rehabilitation services and assistive technology (AT) for those who need it most in Kenya. This partnership has yielded substantial progress and tangible results across the country. The programme has reached over 69,000 people (55% women and girls) with assistive technology. The delivery of white canes, braille papers, braille kits and braille machines in 41 schools has benefited over 2,000 in-school children for continued learning. Additionally, training for over 1,900 health professionals (48% women) has significantly increased workforce capacity in several topics such as speech and language therapy, ophthalmology, audiology and hearing, wheelchair service provision and braille devices.
Strengthening the workforce
As part of strengthening rehabilitation and assistive technology provision in Kenya, a core focus has been on capacity development. The health workforce is actively being trained through a Higher National Diploma (HND) programme, approved by the Ministry of Health, with ATscale supporting 107 scholarships. The HND curricula are tailored to meet the needs of both pre-service and in-service cadres across the country. These specialized programs aim to build advanced skills in key rehabilitation and assistive technology areas, including ophthalmology and cataract surgery for clinical officers, audiology and hearing technology for clinical officers, orthopedic technology with specialization in prosthetics and orthotics for orthopedic technologists, ophthalmology advanced refraction and low vision for clinical officers, speech and language therapy for occupational therapists, speech therapists, physiotherapists, nurses and clinical officers, as well as low vision and assistive technology for optometrists and nurses (ophthalmic nurses, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Kenya Registered Community Health Nurses). The purpose of these curricula is to enhance the competencies of health professionals, strengthen assistive products service delivery, and ensure a sustainable workforce equipped to meet the growing needs of persons with functional limitations across the health and social system thus ensuring a sustainable supply of skilled professionals capable of producing and fitting assistive products
Improving the availability and quality of assistive products and services
One of the most remarkable achievements this year is the revitalization of the orthopedic workshop at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Following the successful establishment of the optical lab, the orthopedic workshop is now fully operational, thanks to ATscale's support. This workshop represents a crucial step towards improving the availability and quality of assistive products and services. Having successfully established a modern orthopedic workshop at Kenyatta National Hospital , they now plan to expand to three additional high-volume regional facilities. This expansion aims to decongest KNH, bring services closer to patients and reduce the socio-economic burden associated with traveling to Nairobi for orthopedic care.
John Ondiege, Head of the Department of Orthopedic Technology with his students in the newly renovated orthopedic workshop. Photo: ATscale
Before this intervention, the quality of assistive products in Kenya was a significant challenge. Many users found products like lower limb prostheses to be of low quality and ultimately ineffective, failing to add value to their lives. The new investment has dramatically expanded capacity and upgraded facilities, leading to a profound improvement. As Rosemary Kihoto, Deputy Country Director at the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), the implementing partner for the ATscale programme, eloquently stated, "We believed in our dream and are grateful to see it realized."
John Ondiege, the enthusiastic Head of the Department of Orthopaedic Technology, shared firsthand accounts of the transformative impact. He highlighted the "huge difference" before and after the improvements, noting that patient waiting times have been drastically reduced due to improved machine turnaround. The workshop's efficiency has soared, with production increasing from two to ten sockets per day, leading to highly satisfied patients. The work environment itself has seen significant improvements, boosting morale among staff. Mr. Ondiege proudly described the workshop as "top of the world" and expressed his commitment to expanding services beyond the hospital, sharing knowledge through mentorship of HND students. This initiative is a true testament to partnership and ownership, with the hospital also investing in renovating the space and improving electricity and water systems. These collective efforts have not only enhanced quality but also reduced the cost of equipment and parts. The success is spreading by word of mouth, leading to increased demand, and with a subsidy from the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), more patients can now afford the AT they need. This endeavor has also spurred an increased demand for training, showcasing the ripple effect of these positive changes. Mr. Oudiege further presented his groundbreaking work at the recent ISPO World Congress in Sweden, sharing Kenya's progress with a global audience.
Further, the impact of this investment is already evident in the procurement and distribution of essential assistive products. Under the grant, over 1000 wheelchairs and numerous pairs of spectacles have been procured. Many of these have already been distributed, balancing the immediate needs of individuals with a long-term strategy for access.
National commitment to increased access to assistive products
Further reinforcing these efforts, the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) is scaling up access to assistive technology by integrating assistive products into its Logistics Management Information System (LMIS). This strategic move aims to improve the availability, affordability and efficient delivery of AT to health facilities nationwide.
Speakers and panellists of the side event on advancing human rights and social justice through assistive technology and rehabilitation services, at the 2025 Devolution Conference. Pictured: Dr Ouma Oluga, Director Health, Council of Governors Khatra Ali, KEMSA CEO- Dr Waqo, CHAI Deputy Country Director Rosemary Kihoto and specialists from numerous disability domains
Speaking at the 2025 Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County, themed "For the People, For Prosperity: Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice KEMSA Chief Executive Officer, Waqo Dulacha said inclusion must be anchored within the health supply chain to ensure that no Kenyan is left behind. This integration will provide real-time visibility of assistive products’ availability to counties, health facilities, partners and the public. "We are ready to forecast, quantify and distribute these products nationwide," stated Mr Dulacha, underscoring the commitment to precision in matching the right product to the right person, as "assistive products cannot be one-size-fits-all." KEMSA has already distributed over 300 wheelchairs to 12 counties, newborn hearing screening equipment to regional hubs and eyeglasses across the country, showcasing immediate impact.
Mr. Dulacha also highlighted that investment in assistive products is not charity but an economic opportunity. "Once people can move and communicate, they can fully participate in our country’s growth," he noted, advocating for policy support, including tax incentives, to strengthen local manufacturing and foster self-reliance in Kenya.
Under the ATscale programme, KEMSA has been a very important partner, actively shaping the assistive products market and accelerating access through an optimized supply chain. KEMSA has collaborated closely with the Ministry of Health, the Council of Governors, CHAI and other partners to standardize specifications for assistive products, streamline procurement, strengthen procurement frameworks for steady supplies and integrate assistive products into the LMIS for easier ordering. Furthermore, they are building capacity among their staff to handle specialized assistive products.
Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department of Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga addressing the side event attendees
Rosemary Kihoto, Deputy Country Director, CHAI, underscored the critical need for assistive technology to be recognized as a tool for inclusion. Ms. Kihoto stated, "we have worked with KEMSA over the last year to set up systems that enable them to stock, account for and distribute assistive products through their LMIS system. This is a milestone that ensures persons with disabilities can access products as part of mainstream healthcare supply." She also stressed that awareness and financing are the two factors responsible for the programme’s success. While donor support has been vital, securing sustainable domestic funding is also crucial.
With over one million Kenyans with disabilities, many have been unable to fully participate in socio-economic activities or access education due to a lack of access to basic services like rehabilitation and assistive technology. Historically, access has largely depended on donations, which are often unsuitable and unsustainable. The high costs associated with these items present a significant barrier for many families, with appropriate wheelchairs costing between Ksh 30,000 and Ksh 100,000, and hearing aids ranging from Ksh 70,000 to Ksh 150,000.
Recent partnerships and initiatives are directly addressing these challenges, making assistive technology more accessible and affordable, thereby helping to empower individuals and fostering a more inclusive society in Kenya.
Watch news coverage of the announcement made at the 2025 Devolution Conference
More news coverage: KEMSA targets last-mile access to life-changing assistive devices