The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) is scaling up access to assistive technologies by integrating them into its Logistics Management Information System (LMIS) to improve availability, affordability, and delivery to health facilities.
Speaking at the sidelines of the 2025 Devolution Conference held at Homa Bay, KEMSA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Waqo Ejersa noted that the integration will allow counties, health facilities, partners, and even the public to view the availability of assistive devices in real time.
“We are ready to forecast, quantify, and distribute these products nationwide,” the CEO said. Noting that: “Assistive products cannot be one-size-fits-all – eyeglasses made for one person will not fit another. We must be precise, and with LMIS integration, we can match the right product to the right person.”
So far KEMSA says it has already distributed more than 300 wheelchairs, screening equipment, and eyeglasses across the country.
“Counties, health facilities, partners, and the public will now be able to view the availability of assistive devices in real time,” Dr. Ejersa said.
He added that investment in assistive devices is not charity but an economic opportunity.
“Once people can move and communicate, they can fully participate in our country’s growth. With the right policy support, including tax incentives, Kenya can strengthen local manufacturing and become self-reliant,” he said.
Under the ATscale initiative, KEMSA has been a lead implementing partner in shaping the AT products market and accelerating their access through an optimized supply chain.
Additionally, the Agency has worked closely with the Ministry of Health, the Council of Governors, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and other partners to: Standardize specifications for assistive devices to streamline their procurement and strengthen procurement frameworks for steady supplies.
These as well as integrate assistive products into the KEMSA Logistics Management Information System (LMIS) for easier ordering by the counties and health facilities and build capacity among our staff to handle specialized AT products.
The Role of Assistive Technology
Speaking at the same forum, the Deputy Country Director, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) Rosemary Kihoto underscored the urgent need for assistive technology to be recognized as a critical tool for enabling inclusion.
For the first time, Kenya has taken a significant step toward changing this reality with CHAI and the KEMSA partnering under the ATscale, assistive devices are now part of the agency’s product portfolio alongside drugs and other medical supplies.
“We have worked with KEMSA over the last year to set up systems that enable them to stock, account for, and distribute assistive technology products through their LMIS system. This is a milestone that ensures persons with disabilities can access devices as part of mainstream healthcare supply,” Kihoto noted.
While highlighting the progress under the ATscale project, including device distribution and training for county health workers she stressed on awareness and financing as the pillars for the success of the project.
“Awareness and financing are the two pillars for success. Donor support has been vital, but we must secure sustainable domestic funding,” she said.
Adding that: “We have over one million Kenyans living with various forms of disabilities, and for the longest time they have not had a chance to participate fully in socio-economic activities or even access education because they lack access to basic services,” Kihoto said. ‘Services that point to rehabilitation and assistive technology.”
High Costs, Limited Access
She explained that assistive technology covers essential items like wheelchairs, hearing aids, eyeglasses, and prosthetic limbs tools that enable persons with disabilities to lead dignified lives and access opportunities. However, access has largely depended on donations, which are often unsuitable and unsustainable.
“These items are quite expensive, and many families are not able to buy them for their loved ones. For example, an appropriate wheelchair will go for about Ksh 30,000, and depending on the features, the cost can rise up to Ksh 100,000. Bilateral hearing aids range between Ksh 70,000 and 150,000. The cost is the first barrier.”
