Strengthening OPD Capacity for Inclusive Development in Mombasa County, Kenya

Executive Summary

During consultations in Mombasa, Jemima Kutata, an OPD leader, captures a recurring reality: while disability rights are increasingly recognised in law, translating these provisions into meaningful change at the community level remains a challenge. This reflects a broader gap between Kenya’s progressive legal frameworks, particularly the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, and their implementation in practice.

In Mombasa, a coastal urban hub shaped by tourism, trade, and a large informal economy, persons with disabilities face distinct barriers in accessing services, employment, and assistive technologies. While Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) play a critical role in addressing these gaps, many continue to face structural and capacity-related constraints that limit their influence.

A series of regional training sessions and consultations brought together 18 OPD leaders to examine these challenges and identify pathways for strengthening organisational effectiveness. A key insight emerged: impact is not defined by presence alone, but by the ability of OPDs to organise, communicate, and influence systems and structures. This case study draws on these insights to explore capacity gaps, contextual realities, and emerging opportunities, while contributing to practical strategies for strengthening governance, leadership, advocacy, and access to assistive technologies in Mombasa.