A wheelchair is more than a piece of equipment; it’s freedom, dignity, and a right to movement. Yet, in Kenya, this symbol of independence is often treated as a privilege—one that is difficult to access, expensive to maintain, and, at times, outright unsuitable for the user.
For many, the journey to acquiring a proper wheelchair is a frustrating maze of high costs, ill-fitting donations, and bureaucratic red tape. While some countries have policies that ensure wheelchair users get the right mobility aids, in Kenya, getting a wheelchair—let alone one that fits—is often left to chance, charity, or sheer personal sacrifice. And even when you do get one, the battle doesn’t end there. From poor infrastructure to a society that still struggles with inclusion, mobility remains an everyday challenge.
The Cost of Mobility
Let’s talk numbers. A proper wheelchair—one that is fitted to the user’s needs—costs anywhere between Ksh 30,000 to Ksh 150,000 ($230–$1,150), depending on quality, customization, and functionality. That’s more than the average monthly income for many Kenyans. Meanwhile, public hospitals and government programs offer little to no support, leaving many wheelchair users to rely on well-wishers, NGOs, or settle for cheap, uncomfortable alternatives that lead to further health complications.
Organizations like Bethany Kids, Motivation Charitable Trust, and the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK) have stepped in to provide wheelchairs, but the demand far outweighs the supply. These organizations, though well-intentioned, cannot reach everyone. Rural areas remain especially disadvantaged, with many wheelchair users forced to use outdated or poorly fitted mobility aids that cause severe discomfort, pressure sores, and spinal complications.
Even when a person does manage to secure a good wheelchair, the challenges don’t end there. Repairs and maintenance are another financial burden. Spare parts are hard to come by, and when available, they are priced beyond reach. A simple tire replacement can cost up to Ksh 5,000 ($38), a price that many cannot afford regularly.
The Wrong Wheelchair = A Lifetime of Problems
Catherine Waiyego- a Wheelchair user with a perfectly fitted wheelchair.
Many wheelchair users in Kenya don’t even have the right chair for their condition. Picture this: someone with a spinal cord injury is given a basic hospital wheelchair meant for temporary use. It lacks cushioning, proper posture support, and adjustability. The result? Chronic back pain, pressure sores, spinal misalignment, and further disability complications. A wheelchair that doesn’t fit is a wheelchair that harms.
Yet, people are expected to be grateful just to have something—even if it’s slowly making their condition worse.
An Inaccessible Kenya
Now let’s say you do get a good wheelchair—then comes the next battle: navigating an inaccessible world. Public transport? Matatus don’t cater to wheelchair users. Few taxis are accessible, and when they are, they charge extra. Public buildings? No ramps, no elevators, no consideration. Even government offices remain largely inaccessible. Sidewalks? Either nonexistent or full of obstacles. Schools and workplaces? Accommodations are rare, limiting education and employment opportunities.
Why is Accessibility still treated as an afterthought?
For many wheelchair users in Kenya, mobility is not just about having a wheelchair—it’s about fighting to exist in a society that does not acknowledge our needs. And yet—we move.
We show up. We adapt. We make it work, even when the odds are stacked against us. We modify wheelchairs, push through inaccessible spaces, and advocate for change. Because giving up is not an option.
But should resilience be a necessity for survival? Shouldn’t accessibility, affordability, and dignity be the standard?
What Needs to Change?
- Affordable, customized wheelchairs – The government should subsidize and provide properly fitted wheelchairs.
- Inclusion in urban planning – Every building, public space, and transport system should accommodate wheelchair users.
- Medical professionals who understand disability – Wheelchair users need doctors who prescribe the right mobility aids.
- Societal mindset shift – Disability is not something to ‘overcome’; it’s a part of life. Mobility is a right, not a privilege.
Final Thought:
A wheelchair should empower, not burden. But in Kenya, the system forces wheelchair users to fight for everything—from basic accessibility to the right to move freely. On this International Wheelchair Day, we need to rethink mobility.
It’s time we stop treating wheelchairs as a ‘charity case’ and start treating mobility as a human right. Accessibility should not be a privilege—it should be a given.
What’s your experience with wheelchair accessibility in Kenya? Let’s talk.
0 Comments