Health Ministry moves to set up government-led wheelchair service as unmet need hits 550,000

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga chaired a consultative meeting with wheelchair service providers, local manufacturers, development partners and rehabilitation leaders to explore practical solutions to Kenya's estimated unmet need of about 550,000 wheelchairs.

Discussions centred on the local manufacture and assembly of affordable, quality wheelchairs, easing taxation on wheelchair components to lower production costs, strengthening the Social Health Insurance Fund benefits package, reducing disability-related stigma, and improving coordination, data management and partnerships.

Stakeholders stressed that wheelchair provision goes beyond handing over a device, requiring assessment, prescription, fitting, user training, maintenance, repair and follow-up so that users receive appropriate support and better outcomes.

Dr Oluga highlighted progress under the ATscale Kenya Project, including the training of 218 rehabilitation professionals using the World Health Organization Wheelchair Service Provision Packages, and the distribution of 1,000 wheelchairs through the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority to county and national referral facilities.

He encouraged local manufacturers to tap into the Kenya Health Products and Technologies Manufacturing Strategy 2026 to 2030 to expand production, improve quality, foster innovation and boost the affordability and availability of quality wheelchairs.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to quality assistive technology, strengthening rehabilitation services and promoting local manufacturing and innovation in line with Universal Health Coverage.

The meeting brought together Director of Curative Services Dr Andrew Toro, Head of the Division of Clinical Services Dr Saleh Bardad, Head of Rehabilitative Services Ms Irene Gichohi, and ATscale Kenya Project Manager Nicholas Nyamweya. Also present were Clinton Health Access Initiative Senior Deputy Country Director Rosemary Kihoto and Assistive Technology Project Manager Kennedy Mugambi, APDK Chief Executive Officer Alex Kaluyu, Bethany Kids AT Project Manager Joab Matumbai, Hope Mobility Kenya Programs Manager Marygorreti Kilonzo and Production Manager Alexander Kering, Motivation Charitable Trust Program Officer Charles Kanyi, and Walkabout Foundation Country Manager Paul Maina.