Major Boost for Persons with Disabilities as Kenya Acquires 1,000 Wheelchairs

Kenya has taken a major step toward making healthcare more inclusive, following the signing of a donation agreement for 1,000 wheelchairs to support the Ministry of Health’s ATscale Project.

The Ministry of Health report dated April 1, 2026, says the donation was made in partnership with Latter-day Saint Charities (LDSC), is part of the country’s broader Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, aimed at improving access to essential health products and assistive technologies.

The agreement, signed by the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Medical Services, ensures that the wheelchairs will be distributed nationwide through the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority.

The Ministry of Health says this move is expected to guarantee equitable access to assistive devices for people with mobility challenges across all counties.

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Community Strengthening

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Principal Secretary emphasized the need to strengthen community-level screening, assessment, and diagnosis, to ensure that assistive devices reach those who need them the most.

“These wheelchairs must reach beneficiaries at the grassroots level, where access to healthcare services can be limited,” he said.

ATscale Project

Ministry of Health, on the other hand, informs the public that the ATscale Project has already made significant progress in improving the quality of rehabilitation services.

Health workers from county hospitals and national referral facilities have been trained on the World Health Organization 8-Step wheelchair Service Provision model.

This training has helped improve user-centered care and ensures that wheelchairs are provided in a way that meets the specific needs of each individual, the Ministry of Health says.

Benefits Under SHA

The Principal Secretary also highlighted the importance of maximizing existing benefits under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to further enhance access to assistive technologies.

By combining resources and policy support, the Ministry of Health hopes to strengthen the overall delivery of rehabilitation services across the country.

The signing ceremony brought together senior Ministry of Health officials, including Dr. Andrew Toro, director of curative services; Dr. Saleh Bardad, head of clinical Services; and Ms. Irene Gichohi, head of rehabilitative Services.

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Representatives from CHAI, including Rosemary Kihoto, deputy country director, and Kennedy Mugambi, program officer for the Assistive Technology Program, were also present. LDSC’s team was represented by Johnny Baddoo, area welfare and self-reliance manager; Peter Ondigo, Nairobi West stake president; and Robinson Aliero, Public Affairs manager.

Inclusive Healthcare

The Ministry of Health also said that this initiative marks a critical milestone in Kenya’s journey toward inclusive healthcare, ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind.

By expanding access to wheelchairs and other assistive devices, the Ministry of Health says it is bringing the promise of UHC closer to every Kenyan, making mobility, independence, and dignity more attainable.

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Members who were present during the event
PHOTO/Ministry of Health