NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has taken a major step toward expanding access to assistive technology after signing a donation agreement for 1,000 wheelchairs to support the Ministry of Health’s ATscale Project, in a move aligned with the country’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
The agreement, executed by the State Department for Medical Services in partnership with Latter-day Saint Charities, is expected to improve access to mobility devices for persons with disabilities across the country.
Once delivered, the wheelchairs will be distributed nationwide through the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), with officials indicating the rollout will prioritise equitable access across counties.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Principal Secretary for Medical Services said the initiative would strengthen inclusive healthcare by ensuring that assistive devices reach those most in need, particularly at the grassroots level.
He emphasised the importance of enhancing community-level screening, assessment, and diagnosis systems to match patients with appropriate assistive technologies, noting that gaps in identification often limit effective service delivery.
The programme is part of the broader ATscale initiative, which seeks to improve access to life-changing assistive products globally, including wheelchairs, hearing aids, and prosthetics.
Kenya has already recorded progress under the project, including the training of rehabilitation personnel from county and national referral hospitals using the World Health Organization (WHO) 8-Step Wheelchair Service Provision model.
The framework focuses on user-centred care, ensuring that assistive devices are properly prescribed, fitted, and maintained.
Health officials said the training has enhanced the quality of rehabilitation services, shifting the focus from simple distribution to long-term usability and patient outcomes.
The government is also looking to leverage benefits under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to expand access to assistive technologies, integrating them into the broader health financing framework.
Stakeholders present at the signing included representatives from Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), which supports the ATscale programme in Kenya, alongside senior Ministry of Health officials responsible for curative, clinical, and rehabilitative services.
The partnership underscores growing collaboration between government and non-state actors in addressing longstanding gaps in assistive healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Kenya, like many developing countries, has faced significant barriers in access to assistive devices due to cost, limited supply chains, and insufficient trained personnel. According to global estimates, only a fraction of people who need assistive technology currently have access to it.
By scaling up distribution and strengthening service delivery systems, officials say the initiative marks a critical milestone in bridging that gap.
