Building disability leadership in Kenya’s communities
Stories | November 12, 2025
Insights from Vivian Sikinyi, Program Officer at CBM Global Kenya, who has played a key role in the OPD LEAD project.
The OPD LEAD Project works with 11 Organisations of People with Disabilities (OPDs) across eight counties in Kenya. Funded by CBM Global, the project focuses on strengthening OPDs so that they can lead their own initiatives, influence county governments, and improve the lives of people with disabilities. This is what has changed as a result.
What has changed for OPDs?
OPDs have grown stronger and more organised. Most have improved their governance systems, financial accountability, and record keeping. The OPDs have grown their visibility at community level, county level and even national level for some nine out of 11 OPDs have running offices. Several OPDs now run income-generating activities, while others have secured external funding. For example, Re-Ci Malindi created a Saving and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO) uniting 23 OPDs and raised KES 246,000 (AUD 2,890) in capital. OPDs are now recognised as credible partners by government and other organisations.
What has changed for people with disabilities?
People with disabilities have received life-changing assistive devices – 225 people now have wheelchairs, crutches, or walking aids. Two children received corrective surgeries and can now attend school. OPD members are also more active in income-generating projects, and they now have a voice in county-level planning and decision-making.
What has changed for families?
Families report reduced stigma and greater opportunities for their children with disabilities. Parents are sending children to school and involving them in community activities. For many, access to devices has eased the burden of care at home.
“My daughter can now go to school like other children. This has lifted a big weight from our family.” – Parent of a child supported by the project
What has changed at the community level?
OPDs are running their own businesses – from poultry farming to events management and building SACCOs and savings groups. This has created income and recognition for their members. Communities are beginning to see OPDs as leaders and partners. In Kakamega, OPDs successfully advocated for budget increases for health, assistive devices, and inclusive sports.
What is changing at the government level?
County governments are listening to OPDs. Kakamega and Baringo counties have set aside specific budget lines for disability. OPDs are now regularly consulted on accessibility and inclusion, ensuring measures such as sign language interpretation and accessible venues are in place at public events.
“We now sit at the table when county budgets are planned. Our voices are being heard.” – OPD representative
Despite the positive changes for OPDs, people with disabilities, families, and communities, there is still more to do. Many OPDs remain dependent on donor funding, and inclusion of people with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities needs to be strengthened.
For more information on OPD LEAD and how OPDs are shaping inclusive change in Kenya, see our impact report. (Link to From participation to leadership: OPDs driving change in Kenya)
To learn more about the OPD project:
- Read more from Vivian and the impact of the OPD LEAD project
- Read the evaluation summary ‘From participation to leadership: OPDs driving change in Kenya’
https://www.cbm.org.au/stories/building-disability-leadership-in-kenyas-communities
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