County, KAWE Step Up Disability Medical Assessments to Boost Access to Services in Nairobi
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By James Nyaigoti,
Persons with disabilities in Nairobi are set to benefit from expanded medical assessment camps aimed at easing registration and access to services, thanks to a joint initiative by the Kenya Association for the Welfare of People with Epilepsy (KAWE) and the Nairobi County Government.
On Tuesday, medical staff drawn from county facilities in Mambalusi, Kasarani, Embakasi North, and Kariobangi conducted a special disability medical assessment exercise, focusing on supporting individuals to register with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).
Speaking during the exercise, a county occupational therapist who also coordinates disability assessments in Mambalusi said the collaboration is designed to bridge gaps that often hinder people with disabilities—particularly those living with epilepsy and other conditions—from accessing critical services.
“All the employees here today, myself included, are from the county government. We’ve organized this team to ensure people with disabilities are medically assessed and registered with NCPWD. Once registered, they can benefit from access to essential medication and social support, which helps them function as normally as possible,” she explained.
To improve inclusivity at health facilities, Nairobi County has introduced special service desks to assist persons with various impairments. For instance, hearing-impaired patients are supported by interpreters who guide them through the medical process until completion.
At Tuesday’s camp in Kariobangi, more than 160 individuals had already been registered, with assessments continuing throughout the day. On average, officials report that such outreach exercises attract no fewer than 100 people per session.
The program is not limited to Kariobangi. Similar medical assessment camps were held earlier this week at Ngondro Health Centre in Kamulu, Kasarani constituency, and are scheduled to continue in Kamukunji later in the week.
The county official emphasized that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness and build stronger collaborations.
“We are creating awareness through partners like KAWE and aligning with NCPWD to reach more people across Nairobi. These medical camps are not one-off events; they are continuous, ensuring that those with special needs are not left behind,” she noted.
Epilepsy advocates stress that such interventions are crucial for reducing stigma, ensuring timely access to treatment, and improving quality of life for affected individuals.
As the disability assessments continue, county officials expressed optimism that more Nairobi residents living with disabilities will be successfully registered and gain access to the government benefits and health services they need.
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