A kid undergoing a disability assessment procedure at Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE)/HANDOUT
The number of Kenyans seeking disability assessments at the
Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) has surged dramatically since the
operationalisation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) in October 2024.
KISE Director Dr. Norman Kiogora revealed that the figures
have increased sixfold, rising from an average of 100 to 600 monthly
assessments. The significant uptick is attributed to SHA’s full coverage of
disability assessment costs for both children and adults.
“SHA is paying for all disability assessment costs for both
children and adults,” Dr. Kiogora confirmed in an interview with The Star.
KISE’s outreach programmes, active in 15 counties, have also
seen growing attendance, with more Kenyans showing up at each session to access
disability screening services.
These evaluations aim to identify developmental, physical,
intellectual, sensory, or learning disabilities in both children and adults.
Beyond diagnosis, the assessments inform placement and
support decisions, helping ensure that individuals with disabilities receive
the appropriate educational and therapeutic interventions.
Dr. Kiogora also highlighted the expansion of assessment
services across the country, noting the establishment of 10 regional centres as
directed by President William Ruto.
“KISE specialists, alongside healthcare workers, are now
able to provide comprehensive evaluations and essential support, reaching more
people than ever before,” he said. “Many children are receiving long-awaited
assessments, while adults are accessing therapeutic services for the first
time.”
Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) Director Dr. Norman Kiogora/HANDOUT
As disability services expand under SHA, the Kenya Society
of Physiotherapists (KSP) has urged the government to integrate physiotherapy
into Universal Health Coverage (UHC) packages.
Speaking during the World Physiotherapy Day celebrations on
September 8, KSP President Henry Opondo expressed concern over widespread
misconceptions surrounding the profession.
“Many people still view physiotherapy as massage,” Opondo
said. “This is not luxury care. It’s about restoring function, dignity, and
independence.”
Opondo stressed that physiotherapists play a vital role in
rehabilitation and long-term health outcomes and called on SHA to officially
recognise physiotherapy as an essential healthcare service.
As disability services expand under SHA, the Kenya Society
of Physiotherapists (KSP) has urged the government to integrate physiotherapy
into Universal Health Coverage (UHC) packages.
Speaking during the World Physiotherapy Day celebrations on
September 8, KSP President Henry Opondo expressed concern over widespread misconceptions
surrounding the profession.
“Many people still view physiotherapy as massage,” Opondo
said. “This is not luxury care. It’s about restoring function, dignity, and
independence.”
Opondo stressed that physiotherapists play a vital role in
rehabilitation and long-term health outcomes and called on SHA to officially
recognise physiotherapy as an essential healthcare service.
A woman undergoes disability assessment during Kenya Institute of Special Education ‘s outreach programme/HANDOUT