Visually Impaired People in Kenya's Largest Rural County Gain Digital Skills for Economic Independence
Lodwar, 13 March 2026
The Kenya Society for the Blind has launched digital literacy training in Turkana County, Kenya’s second-largest region, empowering visually impaired residents with technology skills for economic opportunities. This groundbreaking initiative, supported by the UK Digital Access Programme, introduces participants to accessible platforms for communication and income generation. County officials propose expanding the programme to include refugee and pastoralist communities across regional borders, potentially transforming digital inclusion across East Africa’s most remote areas.
Partnership Drives Digital Inclusion Initiative
The digital skills training programme, conducted on 12 March 2026 in Lodwar, emerged from a collaboration between the Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB) and KICTANet under the Enhancing Digital Access and Community Resilience (EDACR) Project [1]. The initiative receives backing from the UK Digital Access Programme, demonstrating international commitment to disability inclusion in Kenya’s remote regions [1]. Through hands-on sessions, participants gained exposure to accessible digital tools and platforms designed to support communication, learning, and income-generating activities [1].
Economic Empowerment Through Technology Access
Samson Waweru, Executive Director of the Kenya Society for the Blind, emphasised that digital access represents ‘a critical pathway to independence and opportunity for persons with visual impairment’ [1]. The programme specifically targets practical skills that enable participants to navigate the digital world, access online services, and improve their livelihoods [1]. County Chief Officer for Gender and Youth Joseph Epuu noted that the initiative aligns with existing policies supporting persons with disabilities, underlining the government’s commitment to inclusive development [1].
Expansion Plans Target Regional Communities
County officials have proposed establishing a regional branch to expand access to services for refugees and pastoralist communities across borders [1]. This expansion would significantly impact the diverse populations in Turkana County, which spans 77,000 square kilometres as Kenya’s second-largest county [1]. The proposal includes signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the County Government to strengthen collaboration and ensure continuous training opportunities [1]. Officials have also encouraged beneficiaries to become ambassadors of digital inclusion within their communities, potentially creating a multiplier effect for programme impact [1].
Strengthening Community Resilience
The programme extends beyond individual empowerment to strengthen community resilience by enabling persons with disabilities to actively participate in the digital economy [1]. Representatives from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), including Benson Ewoi, attended the training alongside Abbey Locherimoe Bornventures, Curriculum Support Officer for Special Needs Education and EARC Coordinator for Turkana County [1]. This multi-stakeholder approach ensures that the initiative receives support from various government agencies and disability advocacy organisations [1]. The programme’s focus on accessing essential services online addresses critical gaps in service delivery for vulnerable populations in Kenya’s remote northwestern region [1].