Over 2.5 billion people worldwide require assistive products such as wheelchairs and assistive devices, yet nearly one billion lack access. There is a stark disparity in access between low—and high-income countries.
Kyaninga Mobility (KM) commits to transforming the production of assistive devices in East Africa using locally sourced materials and innovative, appropriate technology.
Our new strategy is all about scalability and its benefits. By leveraging our network of global wheelchair experts and advisors, including you, we can advance bamboo manufacturing technology and train local workers.
KM’s approach combines local materials with advanced design principles to create eco-friendly and internationally compliant products. This strategic integration empowers local communities, boosts the regional economy, and ensures that mobility solutions are tailored to users’ specific needs and environments.
We believe that real-world testing is the cornerstone of creating truly impactful assistive devices. Our prototypes undergo rigorous trials in the diverse and challenging environments of Uganda, ensuring they can withstand the demands of daily use.
The ability of KM’s assistive devices to withstand the strains and pressures of operating in a developing country environment has underpinned all the R&D that Steve Williams, (one of the founding KCDC members) and his team have undertaken.
Over 2.5 billion people worldwide require assistive products such as wheelchairs and assistive devices, yet nearly one billion lack access. There is a stark disparity in access between low—and high-income countries, and access and availability can match as low as 3% of the need for these essential devices. The number of people needing assistive products is projected to rise to 3.5 billion by 2050, far outweighing supply (UNICEF 2022).
Assistive technology is crucial as it transforms lives by facilitating education, employment, and independence. Denying access to these products infringes on human rights and is economically shortsighted. Approximately 240 million children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable without assistive technology. This lack of access hinders their education and exposes them to more significant risks of child labour, stigma, and discrimination, adversely affecting their confidence and well-being (WHO Regional Office for Africa 2024).
Affordability remains a significant barrier, with two-thirds of users paying out-of-pocket for assistive products, often relying on financial support from family and friends. Surveys have shown substantial gaps in service provision and trained workforce, especially in cognitive, communication, and self-care domains. Challenges such as lack of awareness, high costs, inadequate product quality, and supply chain issues are also noted (South African Medical Research Council, 2023).
Imported wheelchairs in East Africa fall short in many crucial areas. They are expensive to import, built for different environments and struggle on the African terrain, thus frequently breaking down. Repairs are a constant battle because spare parts are not readily available. They are made with lightweight alloys that are difficult to weld, further complicating repairs. Thus, the high cost of importing and maintaining them creates a significant financial burden, limiting access for those who need them most.
Assistive products are crucial for community participation, and their absence leads to exclusion and dependency.
Kyaninga Mobility (KM) commits to transforming the production of assistive devices in East Africa using locally sourced materials and innovative, appropriate technology.
As part of their Commitment, KM is transitioning from handcrafted to mechanical batch production of wheelchairs, walking and standing frames, crutches and balance bikes, giving thousands of children and adults with disabilities independence and dignity.
At KM, we are dedicated to a meticulous process of designing and building unique tools and equipment that are tailored to the unique East African setting. Our focus on innovation, affordability, sustainability, and local adaptability ensures that our products are not only high-quality but also reliable and long-lasting, enabling scalable production and lasting impact across the region.
Through KM’s bamboo out-grower program, bamboo plantations will supply the raw material that constitutes 90% of KM’s products. By engaging the families of children with disabilities as the primary source of bamboo, KM secures a sustainable supply chain and provides these families with a livelihood. This empowerment enables families to afford essentials like food and education for their children, creating a cycle of support and opportunity within the community.
KM is committed to solving the challenge of non-fitted imported wheelchairs that worsen disabilities. By producing assistive devices prescribed by specialist Wheelchair Service Providers who will deliver personalized assessments, prescribe the suitable wheelchairs and seating, and manage complex cases, KM ensures that each individual’s needs are met.
Through the mechanical batch production process established in this Commitment, KM can scale to Uganda to East Africa and other parts of the world. The increased production capacity and improved distribution networks, supported by partnerships with organizations such as the African Disability Collaboration, will allow KM to reach a broader geographic region and a larger population of individuals with disabilities.
Our new strategy is all about scalability and its benefits. By leveraging our network of global wheelchair experts and advisors, including you, we can advance bamboo manufacturing technology and train local workers. This will help establish the tools and equipment and a skilled workforce capable of handling large-scale manufacturing, promoting sustainable development and job creation within the community. Your role in this process is invaluable and integral to our success.
The new initiative is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity. It involves PwDs in the design and development of wheelchairs and other assistive devices, ensuring that the products are tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of the users. This approach promotes greater user satisfaction and effectiveness and is vital to our new strategy.
Generating local jobs for PwDs is a critical component of the new commitment. By providing meaningful employment opportunities, KM aims to empower individuals with disabilities and foster their economic independence and self-reliance.
With the mechanical batch production process established in this Commitment, KM is poised to scale beyond Uganda to East Africa. The increased production capacity and improved distribution networks, supported by partnerships with organizations such as the African Disability Collaboration, will allow KM to make an African regional impact, reaching a broader geographic region and a larger population of individuals with disabilities. This is an exciting step towards a more inclusive world.
