The Department of Rehabilitation Science at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in partnership with Motivation Africa, celebrated the World Assistive Technology Day on Thursday, 4th June 2026, at the university’s Wheelchair Learning and Service Centre.
In his welcoming remarks, Africa Regional Head of Programmes at Motivation Africa, Mr. Jacob Kitiyo, welcomed the participants most of whom were peer trainers in wheelchair assistance, drawn from various parts of the country.
Mr. Kitiyo reminded the trainers of the unique roles they carry from identifying and reaching out to persons with disabilities, training them on the corrective use of assistive technology, to linking them to essential rehabilitation services.
He encouraged them to see their disability not as a limitation, but as a great qualification that allows them to connect authentically with new wheelchair users.
“Being a peer trainer means more than sharing knowledge it means inspiring change in your trainees. Your personal experiences, the lessons you have learnt, the challenges you have faced, and the way you lead by example as a trainer are what make your trainees feel confident and included in society,” he said.
Mr. Mahino Nyongesa, a physiotherapist from the Department of Rehabilitation Science, lauded Motivation Africa for its dedication to raising awareness on the importance of assistive technology for persons with disabilities, noting that access to such technology is key to enabling them to live healthy, independent lives.
Wheelchair users face a number of daily challenges, with pressure sores ranking among the most serious issues observed.
While addressing this issues, Mr. David Macharia, a wheelchair user and peer trainer based in Thika, explained that these sores develop when a person remains sitting in the same position for long periods of time, cutting off blood flow to certain parts of the body. When left unattended, the condition can worsen rapidly and prove fatal.
Pressure sores are not only painful, but also can result to complications that can be fatal if not treated on time. Furthermore, he emphasized on the urgent need for proper wheelchair fitting, regular repositioning, and access to quality cushioning as key measures in preventing the condition.
Ms. Mercy Ndwati, a peer trainer from Murang’a, commended Motivation Africa for its instrumental role in expanding their reach to a larger number of persons living with disabilities, equipping them with the essential support, tools, and skills needed to live independent and dignified lives.
World Assistive Technology Day is celebrated globally each year to advocate for access of life changing technology. It was first launched in 2024 to highlight how assistive technology that includes wheelchairs, hearing aids, prosthetics, screen readers, communication devices, and other assistive products, enable people to participate fully in daily life, education, work, and community activities.