Breaking Barriers: How Assistive Devices Are Transforming Lives in Rural Kenya

In the quiet village of Kibwezi, 14-year-old Wanjiru spent years watching her classmates walk to school while she remained home – not because she lacked intelligence, but because her cerebral palsy made the 5km journey impossible. That changed last year when Warembo Na Disability (WND) delivered her first wheelchair. “Now I lead the class in mathematics,” she says with pride.

Wanjiru’s story reflects one of Kenya’s most pressing yet solvable challenges: the critical shortage of mobility devices for persons with disabilities (PWDs). At WND, we’ve seen how the right tools can turn isolation into opportunity.

The Stark Reality

• WHO reports that only 1 in 10 Kenyans with mobility needs have access to assistive devices

• Rural areas face triple the disadvantage due to distance, poverty, and healthcare shortages

• Children without devices are 3x less likely to attend school (UNICEF Kenya, 2023)

How WND Bridges the Gap
Our 3-Pronged Approach:

1. Community-Driven Distribution
   We partner with local health workers and chiefs to identify those most in need, prioritizing:

• Children of school-going age

• Elderly PWDs living alone

• Survivors of accidents/GBV

2. Holistic Support Packages
   Each device comes with:

• Training on use and maintenance

• Follow-up visits by our field officers

• Referrals to rehabilitation services

3. Sustainable Partnerships
   Collaborations with groups like Kingdom Bank allow us to:

• Manufacture affordable devices locally

• Train community repair technicians

• Advocate for insurance coverage

Impact Spotlight: The Ripple Effect
Meet the beneficiaries:

You Can Be Part of This Change

1. Donate:

• 5,000 KSH = 1 pair of crutches

• 15,000 KSH = 1 pediatric wheelchair

• 50,000 KSH = Support a distribution camp

2. Volunteer: Medical professionals, drivers, and community mobilizers needed

3. Spread Awareness: Share this article with #DisabilityInclusionKE

As WND’s chairlady Brigid Songok reminds us: “A wheelchair isn’t just metal and rubber – it’s wings for someone grounded by circumstance.” With 1.5 million Kenyans still waiting for mobility devices, our work has only begun.