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.
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.
“I reaffirm the commitment of my government to continue investing in rehabilitation services and assistive technologies to restore the dignity of our people,” Wavinya said.
Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi also speaking during 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 added that they intend to do more orthopedic programs in Machakos to ensure a seamless provision of basic technology, as they realized there are over 200 needy cases of amputees requiring assistive devices.
“ I call upon other counties to ensure they have an orthopedic workshop for the rising cases of amputation and see how people can easily access them,” said Meli.
One of the beneficiaries, Kennedy Musyoki from Masinga lauded the initiative as life-changing, adding: “The devices will accord us the ability to move around with dignity.”
Other beneficiaries said the initiative marked the end of years of costly struggles by restoring their mobility and improving their long term psychological well-being.
By Anne Kangero and Celine Mutheu
