The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), along with the Nairobi County Government and the Kenya Association for the Welfare of People with Epilepsy (KAWE), has launched a series of medical assessment drives to register people with epilepsy and other disabilities. The goal is to improve access to government support services and address stigma and low awareness.
During an assessment event in Kariobangi, Jane Wamugu, NCPWD Nairobi County Regional Coordinator, emphasized that Kenyan law recognizes epilepsy as a disability. “Epilepsy has been recognized as a disability since the Council began. The main challenge is limited awareness, which is why we are here today, focusing on people with epilepsy,” she said.
By registering on the eCitizen platform, individuals with epilepsy can access medication provided by KEMSA, therapies like physiotherapy and speech therapy, assistive devices, tax exemptions, and scholarships for children with disabilities. Wamugu noted an increase in families coming forward to register their loved ones, with cases ranging from young children to elderly individuals, including a recent registrant who is 97 years old.
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Michael Mwangi, an occupational therapist overseeing disability assessments in Nairobi, mentioned that the county has sent medical teams to various sub-counties to make access easier. “Today alone, we have registered about 160 people, and on average, no outreach event brings in fewer than 100,” he said. He also mentioned that special desks have been set up in hospitals to assist people with disabilities, which include interpreters for the hearing impaired.
The disability assessment drives have already taken place in Kasarani, Embakasi North, and Kariobangi, with another planned in Kamukunji this week. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to ensure that no one with a disability is left out as public services become digital.
