Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has allocated Sh5 million to enhance prosthetic and assistive device production at Kitale County Hospital, with an additional Sh2 million earmarked for materials. During a facility visit, Natembeya emphasized the county’s commitment to improving quality of life for people with disabilities, stating, “Sometimes as a government we look for bigger things outside, but most of the time people just want to be assisted so that they can live a better life.” The funding will expand capacity to manufacture devices for leg, waist, and arm disabilities, with plans to establish the hospital as a regional center serving Turkana, West Pokot, Bungoma, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Eldoret. Natembeya noted the initiative will begin immediately, aiming to reduce reliance on external services and prioritize local solutions.
Orthopaedic technologist Kenneth Meli, National Chairperson of the Association of Orthopaedic Technology Prosthetics and Orthotics, highlighted that Trans Nzoia’s outreach surpassed expectations, with over 150 beneficiaries on the first day—far exceeding the targeted 50. The team used lightweight, affordable Swiss technology for below-the-knee prostheses, fitting 100 devices in the campaign. Meli praised the collaboration with the county and Catholic Church, stating, “We will continue working with partners to reach more beneficiaries.” Luck Masheti, Chairperson of the Trans Nzoia Disability Caucus, welcomed the initiative, citing partnerships with Swiss Ability that have provided artificial legs to many. Bernard Masioge of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities thanked sponsors, while Carolyne Nalyanya of the Catholic Church emphasized improved services through county-Swiss Ability collaboration. The outreach, sponsored by Swiss Ability and the Catholic Church in partnership with the Trans Nzoia County Government, underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing disability needs.
The initiative addresses a critical gap in accessible, affordable prosthetic care, particularly for marginalized communities in northern Kenya. By localizing production, the county aims to reduce costs and wait times, ensuring timely support for amputees and individuals with mobility challenges. Advocates stress that expanding such services to all hospitals would significantly improve livelihoods, enabling beneficiaries to regain independence and participate in economic activities. The regional focus also highlights the potential for Trans Nzoia to become a model for other counties, fostering cross-border collaboration and resource-sharing. With 17 nationwide outreaches conducted, Trans Nzoia’s outreach remains the largest in scope, reflecting both the scale of need and the effectiveness of targeted interventions.
The Sh7 million investment marks a pivotal step in Kenya’s broader efforts to enhance healthcare equity. While the article also notes parallel initiatives in Siaya County and other regions, the Trans Nzoia project stands out for its emphasis on sustainability and regional outreach. By integrating modern technology with community partnerships, the county demonstrates how localized solutions can address systemic challenges. As the hospital prepares to serve a wider population, the success of this model could influence national policies on disability support, ensuring that innovation and inclusivity remain central to public health strategies.