Why Kenya's Technology Future Must Include Persons with Disabilities

Recently, 25-year-old Kenyan innovator, Elly Savatia won the prestigious Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation for his groundbreaking app, Terp 360. This web platform uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to translate spoken words  into Kenya Sign Language (KSL) in real-time, using a lifelike 3D avatar.

Described as "Google Translate for sign language," Terp 360 is breaking down communication barriers that have historically kept millions of deaf Kenyans out of jobs, hospitals, and schools. Savatia’s success proves a clear truth: as Kenya moves into the AI age, our best and most effective inventions are the ones designed to serve everyone, especially persons with disabilities.

Kenya's Bold Step Forward

As Kenya moves forward with Artificial Intelligence (AI), one important question arises: Who gets to be part of this change? Kenya's new AI Strategy for 2025–2030 sets out an ambitious plan to make the country a leader in fair and accessible AI in Africa. But real progress is about  people. And persons with disabilities have the most to gain from what AI can offer.

Stories like Terp 360 prove that when Kenyan innovators focus on inclusion, they don't just solve local problems—they create solutions that can transform lives across continents.

AI Can Help Create Equal Opportunities

AI has the power to do something few technologies have done before: create equal chances for persons with disabilities. AI tools can recognize speech and enable instant communication. Computer programs can help persons who with visual impairment o navigate their world. In hospitals, AI can spot health problems early. In schools, smart learning systems can adjust lessons to fit each student's needs.

When built with everyone in mind, AI becomes a tool that helps people do more.

"Inclusion isn't something we add later; it's something we plan from the start," says one of the people who contributed to the development of Kenya's AI plan.

Turning Plans into Reality

Kenya's AI Strategy makes accessibility a core part of everything, from how data is managed and digital systems are built, to how people are educated and ethical standards are set. The plan clearly states that AI solutions should be accessible, transparent, and fair. It also calls for persons with disabilities to help make decisions and put the strategy into action.

The policy's section on AI for Development and Inclusion takes this further: it makes assistive technology a national goal. It encourages new businesses and researchers to create solutions with persons with disabilities, not just for them.

This represents a major change from simply adding accessibility at the end to making it central to how technology is imagined, created, and used.

Training the Next Generation of Innovators

Including everyone in AI must start in schools. The strategy focuses on adding AI and digital skills to all levels of education, making sure that training programs, universities, and technical colleges are accessible to learners with disabilities.

By creating inclusive AI courses and offering financial support to underrepresented groups, Kenya aims to develop a new generation who see accessibility as both a basic right and a smart business approach.

Why Talk About This Now? Join the National Session 🏛️

The upcoming national session on AI inclusion is a chance to shape a future where everyone has a fair shot. Stakeholders will meet to discuss how AI can improve lives and grow the nation’s productivity.

This conversation is focused on the Kenya AI Strategy 2025–2030: Disability Inclusion, Rights, and Opportunities. Organized by EnableMe Kenya and the United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK), the online session aims to introduce the AI strategy in simple, accessible language, and mobilize advocacy messages from the disability community.

• Theme: Kenya’s AI Strategy 2025–2030: Disability Inclusion, Rights, and Opportunities

• Date: 28th October

• Time: 12 p.m. to 1.45 p.m.

• Platform: Facebook Live / LinkedIn Live / X Spaces ( on the United Disabled Persons of Kenya) platforms

Attending means joining a movement to ensure Kenya's digital transformation leaves absolutely no one behind.

Why This Discussion Is Important

The upcoming national AI inclusion meeting isn't just another policy gathering. It's a chance to shape digital equity in Kenya. People from government, universities, tech companies, and advocacy groups will discuss how AI can improve the lives of persons with disabilities while boosting national growth and innovation.

Joining this meeting means being part of a movement to make sure Kenya's digital progress includes everyone.

Call to Take Action

Kenya's AI future must include everyone from the beginning. Elly Savatia's success with Terp 360 shows what's possible when innovators put inclusion first. As the world watches how countries use technology for development, Kenya can set an example by showing that the best innovations are also the most caring.

When persons with disabilities are involved in planning, AI becomes more creative, more ethical, and more successful. Kenya already has innovators proving this is possible. Now it's time to make it the standard.

Article by: Maryanne Emomeri