Machakos: Machakos county in collaboration with Swiss Ability has rolled out a free prosthetic limb program in the Lower Eastern region that has benefited 68 amputees by giving them mobility and dignity.
According to Kenya News Agency, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti launched the region’s first free prosthetic program at Machakos Level 5 hospital with plans to decentralize local prosthetics assembly services to level 4 health facilities in the county. Speaking during the launch, the governor disclosed plans to invest in assistive devices, while lamenting that most recipients are survivors of road accidents, diabetes-related complications, and wildlife attacks involving snakes and crocodiles.
Governor Wavinya reaffirmed the commitment of her government to continue investing in rehabilitation services and assistive technologies to restore the dignity of residents. Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, also present at the launch, linked the rise in amputations in Machakos to preventable road accidents and called for safer driving practices.
Kennedy Meli, Chairman of the National Orthopedic Technologists in Kenya, urged the Council of Governors to establish orthopedic workshops in all counties to address growing disability cases. He noted that there are over 200 needy cases of amputees requiring assistive devices and emphasized the need for more orthopedic programs in Machakos to ensure basic technology is accessible.
One of the beneficiaries, Kennedy Musyoki from Masinga, praised the initiative as life-changing, highlighting how the devices will allow individuals to move with dignity. Other beneficiaries expressed that the initiative marked the end of years of costly struggles by restoring their mobility and improving their long-term psychological well-being.
