Kitale:Governor George Natembeya has committed Sh5 million to enhance the production of prosthetic and assistive devices at Kitale County Hospital.
According to Kenya News Agency, Natembeya also contributed an additional Sh2 million for purchasing materials to sustain this production. During his visit to the facility, the governor emphasized the importance of supporting individuals with disabilities by providing them access to life-improving equipment.
Governor Natembeya announced plans to acquire modern equipment to upgrade existing machines, aiming to expand the capacity to produce devices for leg, waist, and arm disabilities. He expressed a vision for the facility to become a regional center serving people from surrounding areas such as Turkana, West Pokot, Bungoma, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Eldoret.
Kenneth Meli, an orthopaedic technologist and National Chairperson of the Association of Orthopaedic Technology Prosthetics and Orthotics, highlighted that Trans Nzoia’s outreach program registered the highest number of beneficiaries among 17 such initiatives nationwide. The program initially targeted 50 people but ended up serving over 150 individuals on the first day alone, fitting 100 with prostheses using lightweight, affordable Swiss technology.
Luck Masheti, Chairperson of the Trans Nzoia Disability Caucus, praised the initiative, emphasizing the partnership with Swiss Ability that has facilitated access to artificial legs for many. Masheti urged both national and county governments to ensure these services are available in all hospitals.
Bernard Masioge from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities expressed gratitude to the partners, while Carolyne Nalyanya from the Catholic Church noted that collaboration with the county and Swiss Ability has significantly improved services for persons with disabilities. The outreach was sponsored by Swiss Ability and the Catholic Church in collaboration with the Trans Nzoia County Government.
