Wheelchair makers to get tax break to end 550,000 shortfall
The Kenyan government is considering tax breaks on imported wheelchair components to encourage local manufacturing and address a shortage of 550,000 units. Officials emphasize that improving mobility requires not just the device, but also professional assessment, fitting, and maintenance services.
Why it matters
This initiative aims to improve accessibility and independence for hundreds of thousands of Kenyans with disabilities by lowering costs and building domestic infrastructure.
The government is considering reviewing taxes charged on wheelchair parts and components imported by local manufacturers as it seeks to reduce costs and tackle Kenya's shortage of about 550,000 wheelchairs.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga said the huge gap means hundreds of thousands of children and adults are unable to move around easily, attend school, work or live independently.
Oluga spoke on Thursday during a meeting that brought together wheelchair providers, local manufacturers, rehabilitation experts and development partners to discuss ways of improving access to wheelchairs and rehabilitation services.
"We are facing an unmet need of about 550,000 wheelchairs in Kenya. This means many people who need mobility support are still going without it, and that affects their education, health, work and participation in society," Oluga said.
He said Kenya can no longer rely mainly on imported wheelchairs and needs to build local solutions that can meet growing demand.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in