Ministry of Health has expanded efforts to improve access to assistive technology after securing a donation of 1,000 wheelchairs under the ATscale Project.
The initiative supports Universal Health Coverage goals by enhancing rehabilitation services and ensuring equitable distribution nationwide, with a focus on grassroots screening, trained personnel, and better use of Social Health Authority benefits.
The Ministry said on Wednesday that the agreement was executed by the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services in partnership with Latter-day Saint Charities (LDSC).
According to the ministry, the initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda aimed at improving access to essential health products and technologies.
“Kenya has taken a significant step toward expanding access to assistive technology,” the ministry, through the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services, Ouma Oluga said, describing the agreement as a key development in advancing inclusive healthcare.
The wheelchairs will be distributed nationwide through the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), which will oversee their allocation to ensure equitable access for those in need across all regions.
“Once received, the wheelchairs will be distributed nationwide ensuring equitable access for persons in need across all regions,” the ministry said.
The PS said the programme is designed to reach vulnerable populations requiring mobility support, while also strengthening rehabilitation services at community and facility levels.
During the signing ceremony, the Principal Secretary highlighted the importance of strengthening systems that identify beneficiaries and ensure appropriate allocation of assistive devices.
He reaffirmed “the importance of strengthening community-level screening, assessment, and diagnosis to ensure that assistive devices reach the right beneficiaries, particularly at the grassroots level.”
The ATscale Project, under which the donation falls, has already contributed to improvements in rehabilitation services across the country.
The ministry said progress has been made through the training of rehabilitation personnel drawn from county and national referral facilities.
The training is based on the World Health Organization (WHO) 8-Step Wheelchair Service Provision model, which promotes structured, user-centred approaches to rehabilitation care.
“The initiative has significantly improved the delivery of quality, user-centered rehabilitation services,” the ministry noted.
In addition to improving service delivery, the government is also working to integrate assistive technology into broader health financing frameworks.
The Principal Secretary emphasised the need to optimize the use of existing benefits under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to enhance access to assistive technologies and strengthen overall service delivery.
The signing ceremony brought together stakeholders from government and partner organisations involved in the programme.
Representatives from Latter-day Saint Charities, the Ministry of Health, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) were present to witness the agreement.
Senior Ministry of Health officials in attendance included Dr Andrew Toro, Director of Curative Services, Dr Saleh Bardad, Head of Clinical Services and Irene Gichohi, Head of Rehabilitative Services.
Also present were CHAI representatives Rosemary Kihoto, Deputy Country Director, Kennedy Mugambi, Programme Officer for the Assistive Technology Programme and Nicholas Nyamweya, Project Manager for the ATscale Project.
LDSC was represented by Johnny Baddoo, Area Welfare and Self-Reliance Manager, Peter Ondigo, Nairobi West Stake President and Robinson Aliero, Public Affairs Manager.
The ministry described the initiative as a major milestone in its efforts to expand inclusive healthcare and strengthen access to essential assistive services.
“The initiative marks a major milestone in Kenya’s efforts to expand inclusive healthcare and ensure that no one is left behind in accessing essential assistive services,” the ministry said.
