Kenya’s First National Para-Sport Innovation Lab Opens in Lang’ata

The East Africa Para-Sport Innovation Lab (EPSIL) opened in Lang’ata, Nairobi, on March 18, 2025—a state-of-the-art facility co-founded by NOCK, Safaricom Foundation, and MIT D-Lab. Designed *by and for* athletes with disabilities, the lab develops low-cost, high-impact adaptive gear: 3D-printed prosthetic running blades (KSh 8,000 vs. KSh 300,000 imported), voice-guided goalball vests, and sip-and-puff drone controllers. Innovation isn’t about fancy tech—it’s about dignity in motion, said lab director Mary Njoki, a Paralympic powerlifter. The first product—*Mwangaza Blade*—is now used by 42 athletes nationwide. A Maker Sprint invites youth to solve real athlete challenges; winners receive seed funding. World Para Athletics awarded EPSIL Regional Hub status for 2026–2028.