Community organizations across Kenya are calling for urgent improvements in disability-friendly health services, saying many facilities still lack the infrastructure and support systems needed to serve people with disabilities effectively. The push, led by various advocacy groups and disability rights networks, highlights widespread challenges such as inaccessible buildings, understaffed clinics, and limited assistive equipment. Representatives say these gaps continue to disadvantage patients living with physical, visual, hearing, and intellectual disabilities, especially in rural and low-income areas.
According to the campaign organizers, many health centres still rely on outdated designs that do not include basic accessibility features like ramps, tactile guides, adjustable examination beds, and sign-language interpreters. They argue that these shortcomings prevent patients with disabilities from receiving timely and dignified care, often forcing them to travel long distances to find suitable services. The groups also note that health workers rarely receive specialized training on how to communicate with or treat persons with disabilities, further widening the gap in service quality.
The advocacy initiative has drawn strong reactions from both communities and health officials. Patients and caregivers have expressed relief that the issue is finally receiving national attention, sharing stories of long waiting times, difficulty navigating facilities, and communication barriers. Some county health executives have acknowledged the concerns and said plans are underway to upgrade infrastructure and train frontline workers. Development partners and civil society organizations have also voiced support, calling the campaign a step toward more inclusive health care.
Looking ahead, the advocacy groups want the government to adopt enforceable standards ensuring all new health facilities meet accessibility requirements and older ones undergo phased upgrades. They also propose the recruitment of disability support staff and the integration of assistive technologies in hospitals. If implemented, they say the reforms could significantly expand access to quality health care for thousands of Kenyans living with disabilities, strengthening the country’s broader drive toward universal health coverage.