Kenya secures 1,000 wheelchairs in push for inclusive healthcare

Principal Secretary, State Department for Medical Services, Dr Ouma Oluga (left) and LDSC representative Mr Johnny Baddoo (right), Ministry of Health./MoH/X

Kenya has taken a significant step in expanding access to assistive technology with the signing of a donation agreement for 1,000 wheelchairs.

The initiative, executed by the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services in partnership with Latter-day Saint Charities (LDSC), is part of the Ministry of Health’s ATscale Project.

The move aligns with the country’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, which aims to improve access to essential health products and technologies.

Once received, the wheelchairs will be distributed nationwide through the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), ensuring equitable access for persons in need across all regions.

During the signing ceremony, the Principal Secretary emphasised the importance of ensuring that assistive devices reach the right beneficiaries.

“Strengthening community-level screening, assessment, and diagnosis is key to ensuring that these devices reach those who need them most, particularly at the grassroots level,” he said.

He also highlighted the progress made under the ATscale Project. Rehabilitation personnel from county and national referral facilities have been trained on the World Health Organization (WHO) 8-Step Wheelchair Service Provision model. This training, he noted, has “significantly improved the delivery of quality, user-centered rehabilitation services.”

The Principal Secretary further underscored the importance of making the most of existing benefits under the Social Health Authority (SHA). He said this would “enhance access to assistive technologies and strengthen overall service delivery” across the country.

The signing ceremony brought together key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, Latter-day Saint Charities, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).

Senior Ministry officials in attendance included Dr. Andrew Toro, Director of Curative Services; Dr. Saleh Bardad, Head of Clinical Services; and Ms. Irene Gichohi, Head of Rehabilitative Services.

Representatives from CHAI included 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.

The donation of wheelchairs marks a major milestone in Kenya’s efforts to expand inclusive healthcare. The initiative is expected to improve mobility and quality of life for persons living with disabilities, reinforcing the country’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing essential health services.

“The collaboration with partners like LDSC and CHAI demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to inclusive health,” the Principal Secretary noted.

With the nationwide distribution of the 1,000 wheelchairs, Kenya moves closer to achieving its goal of accessible, equitable healthcare for all.