A kid undergoing a disability assessment procedure at Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE)/HANDOUTThe number of Kenyans seeking disability assessments at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) has surged dramatically since the operationalisation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) in October 2024.
KISE Director Dr. Norman Kiogora revealed that the figures have increased sixfold, rising from an average of 100 to 600 monthly assessments. The significant uptick is attributed to SHA's full coverage of disability assessment costs for both children and adults.
“SHA is paying for all disability assessment costs for both children and adults,” Dr. Kiogora confirmed in an interview with The Star.
KISE’s outreach programmes, active in 15 counties, have also seen growing attendance, with more Kenyans showing up at each session to access disability screening services.
These evaluations aim to identify developmental, physical, intellectual, sensory, or learning disabilities in both children and adults.
Beyond diagnosis, the assessments inform placement and support decisions, helping ensure that individuals with disabilities receive the appropriate educational and therapeutic interventions.
Dr. Kiogora also highlighted the expansion of assessment services across the country, noting the establishment of 10 regional centres as directed by President William Ruto.
“KISE specialists, alongside healthcare workers, are now able to provide comprehensive evaluations and essential support, reaching more people than ever before,” he said. “Many children are receiving long-awaited assessments, while adults are accessing therapeutic services for the first time.”
Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) Director Dr. Norman Kiogora/HANDOUTAs disability services expand under SHA, the Kenya Society of Physiotherapists (KSP) has urged the government to integrate physiotherapy into Universal Health Coverage (UHC) packages.
Speaking during the World Physiotherapy Day celebrations on September 8, KSP President Henry Opondo expressed concern over widespread misconceptions surrounding the profession.
“Many people still view physiotherapy as massage,” Opondo said. “This is not luxury care. It’s about restoring function, dignity, and independence.”
Opondo stressed that physiotherapists play a vital role in rehabilitation and long-term health outcomes and called on SHA to officially recognise physiotherapy as an essential healthcare service.
As disability services expand under SHA, the Kenya Society of Physiotherapists (KSP) has urged the government to integrate physiotherapy into Universal Health Coverage (UHC) packages.
Speaking during the World Physiotherapy Day celebrations on
September 8, KSP President Henry Opondo expressed concern over widespread misconceptions
surrounding the profession.
“Many people still view physiotherapy as massage,” Opondo said. “This is not luxury care. It’s about restoring function, dignity, and independence.”
Opondo stressed that physiotherapists play a vital role in rehabilitation and long-term health outcomes and called on SHA to officially recognise physiotherapy as an essential healthcare service.
A woman undergoes disability assessment during Kenya Institute of Special Education ‘s outreach programme/HANDOUT
