The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is part of an initiative working towards developing the first innovative, interdisciplinary Master’s programs in rehabilitation in East Africa to address the critical shortage of trained professionals.

The AfroRehab2030 project, an EU-funded initiative, will be implemented by a consortium of six universities: JKUAT and Moi University (Kenya), Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University (KCMC) from Tanzania, Arcada University of Applied Sciences (Finland), and Western University of Applied Sciences (Norway).

The consortium held its first weeklong workshop and semi-annual Project Management Board Meeting at JKUAT, Kenya, starting March 24, 2025. The sessions focused on refining the curriculum content, covering key areas, such as Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Audiology, Prosthetics & Orthotics, and Speech & Language Therapy.

A key highlight of the workshop was the launch of the AfroRehab2030 website on Tuesday, March 27, 2025, during a vibrant

ceremony officiated by JKUAT management.

Prof. Graziella Van Den Berg from Western Norway University, the lead of the AfroRehab2030 project, emphasized the initiative’s transformative impact, noting that the website launch marks a crucial milestone in fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and long-term sustainability.

She commended the consortium’s commitment to develop East Africa’s first Master’s program in Rehabilitation, highlighting its role in addressing critical gaps in the field. She acknowledged EU’s support in strengthening academic and clinical capacities, ensuring that professionals across the region are well-equipped to deliver world-class rehabilitation services.

Speaking on behalf of Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, Dr. Joseph Sang hailed the launch as a great milestone for the project, noting that the platform will serve as a hub for collaboration, information sharing, and long-term sustainability beyond the implementation of the region’s first-ever Master’s program in Rehabilitation.

“As a university that believes in technology-driven transformation, we recognize the critical role that rehabilitation sciences plays in shaping productivity, ensuring inclusivity and empowering individuals with disabilities to live full, independent lives.

The initiative, therefore, calls for bold leadership, strategic action, and cross-sector partnerships to ensure that rehabilitation is accessible, affordable, effective, and sustainable. The work we are undertaking through AfroRehab2030 and related projects — directly contributes to this global vision. We are not just talking about change; we are driving it,” stated Prof. Ngumi.

Dean School of Medicine, Prof. Everisto Opondo, commended the initiative, highlighting the longstanding challenge of recruiting academic faculty in critical fields such as Occupational Therapy, essential for the department’s growth.

He also pointed out gaps in areas like Sports Management, particularly in Bio-Kinetics, which offers advanced treatment

options but remains underdeveloped in Kenya.

This sentiment was echoed by the Principal, College of Health Sciences (COHES), represented by Prof. Johnson Kinyua, who emphasized the need to remove barriers in rehabilitation services. He noted that with 1.3 billion people globally requiring rehabilitation support, JKUAT, through the AfroRehab2030 project, is taking an important step to address the need.

Another key highlight of the workshop was a visit to the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), a government facility providing highly subsidized rehabilitation services for both adults and children.

The tour of departments such as hydrotherapy, visual impairment, and hearing impairment showcased Kenya’s progress in empowering individuals in need of rehabilitation—whether for recovery (such as stroke) or to support children’s early development.

At JKUAT, the AfroRehab2030 project is spearheaded by Dr. Mwangi Matheri (Chairman Rehabilitation Sciences Department, together with Dr. Musa Mohammed (Department of Surgery) and Mr. Daniel Kariuki (Rehabilitation Sciences).

JKUAT is also leading the project’s communication and dissemination efforts, with Dr. Wallace Karuguti (Rehabilitation Sciences) as the lead, assisted by Ms. Elizabeth Wangui (Corporate Communications).

Other members include Ms. Eudia Atieno, Ms. Caroline Mumbi (both from Rehabilitation Sciences) and Ms. Bernadetta Wairima from Finance.