Crisis deepens as Kenya struggles to expand access to prosthetic care

As the world marks Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, Kenya is grappling with a growing but often overlooked crisis, rising cases of limb loss and limited access to prosthetic services.

Amputations are increasingly being driven not only by road accidents but also by non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cancer, placing added pressure on an already strained healthcare system.

According to experts from Ottobock Kenya, a shift is emerging, with more young people especially in agricultural regions experiencing traumatic amputations linked to unsafe use of farm machinery.

“We are seeing more young patients with traumatic amputations, particularly from agricultural accidents involving equipment like chaff cutters. This often comes down to limited safety awareness,” said Moses Gitonga, a prosthetics expert.

Mirriam Muthoni added that disease-related amputations are also on the rise, further compounding the burden.

“Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes are contributing significantly to limb loss, increasing demand for prosthetic care services,” she noted.

Despite advancements in prosthetic technology, access remains a major hurdle. Most devices are imported and costly, with limited insurance coverage, leaving many patients unable to afford quality care.

“Prosthetics in Kenya are not cheap, and many people don’t even know the process or where to get them,” said Nancy Mumbua, a 25-year-old prosthetic user and disability advocate who lost her limb in a road accident in 2022.

Mumbua also highlighted the social challenges faced by persons with limb loss.

“There is still a lot of stigma. People stare or react with discomfort, which shows there is a need for greater awareness and inclusion,” she said.

Industry stakeholders are now calling for urgent reforms to address the gaps. These include expanding insurance coverage, strengthening regulation of prosthetic devices, increasing public awareness, and investing in local manufacturing to reduce costs.

“Materials and technology are largely imported, which drives up costs. Additionally, insurance coverage for prosthetic care remains limited,” said Kingsley Diores, Managing Director at Ottobock Kenya.

While acknowledging efforts by the Social Health Authority (SHA) to improve healthcare access, Diores stressed the need for more comprehensive support.

“Kenya has good policies, but enforcement and coverage are still lacking. Many patients turn to cheaper, unsafe alternatives because they simply cannot afford certified devices,” he said.

Concerns have also been raised over the proliferation of counterfeit and low-quality prosthetic devices in the market, posing serious health risks to users.

As awareness efforts gain momentum this month, advocates say the focus must remain on building an inclusive society where access to prosthetic care is not a priviledge.