Kenya launches AI for Disability Project to advance inclusive digital transformation

Technological innovations have long left behind persons living with disabilities (PWDs), who have to catch up later, with products and services made as an afterthought. 

The Connected Africa Summit was concluded on Thursday, April 30, 2026, with the launch of the AI for Disability Project, an initiative set to improve the lives of PWDs.

The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy( MoICDE) partnered with key disability experts, Kenya Institute of Special Education(KISE), inABLE and AT4D Trust to enhance technology, infrastructure and innovation systems serving PWDs.

Rooted in the principle of inclusion in innovation and design, MoICDE also brought on board a global tech partner, Huawei, and innovators such as Qhala onto the project, aiming to co-create scalable hardware and software solutions that improve access and unlock new opportunities for PWDs.

The goal is to re-work existing equipment and systems from the baseline with accessibility features with intention, rather than just accessorizing them later as an add-on.

A manufacturing plant has already been set up at the KISE headquarters that will serve for local production and distribution of necessary equipment, capping the cost of importation and external manufacturing.

Software development and upgrade will also be put in the hands of local innovators, and by utilising the national assets such as the KZA data centre and local digital hubs, the government’s AI strategy will foster innovation.

Under this initiative, digital devices will also be harmonised in design and function across the continent to improve user experience.

This means that a Kenyan PWD will have the ability to travel to Malawi, access their facilities and use them with the same knowledge and interface they have grown accustomed to at home.