OPD Country Level Strategy for Kenya

A major new initiative is underway in Kenya to strengthen the capacity, influence, and national impact of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) through the strategic use of technology and assistive devices.

This project aims to strengthen the capacity of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to effectively advocate for and improve access to Assistive Technology (AT). This follow-on project is designed to provide legacy and national level impact, delivering practical solutions and bringing together key stakeholders. For OPD’s this project provides an opportunity to develop co-created pathways that respond to common needs, as well as additional capacity building among emerging peer networks.  

This nationwide effort builds on extensive needs assessment activities conducted between October 2024 and June 2025. These assessments explored common capacity gaps among OPDs, challenges in accessing assistive technology (AT), and opportunities to strengthen advocacy ecosystems across Kenya.

Unlike many top‑down policy documents, the new national strategy is being co-created directly with OPDs, ensuring it reflects lived experiences, shared priorities, and real-world barriers faced by persons with disabilities. The resulting OPD Country Strategy will guide policymakers and decision-makers seeking to strengthen national AT systems and advance disability inclusion.

Central to this work is the OPD Capacity Building Framework, created specifically for OPDs. It outlines actionable approaches to using both mainstream and assistive technologies to enhance governance, deepen community engagement, strengthen policy advocacy, and improve program delivery.

The project has already delivered a series of regional OPD workshops in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. These sessions aim to embed learning, foster collaboration, and expand the reach and influence of OPDs nationwide. Upcoming activities include three follow‑up clinics offering targeted mentorship and hands-on support, alongside a storytelling component featuring AT impact narratives and OPD case studies.

This new initiative is funded by UK International Development through the AT2030 programme and delivered by the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), in partnership with Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa (KBTA).