The partnership, which targets more than 300 children, will focus on enhancing social and communication skills, promoting social inclusion, and improving the functional abilities of children with disabilities in Kenya.

By providing such skills and promoting social inclusion, the partnership aims to equip children with disabilities with the tools necessary to prepare them to navigate the local job market confidently in future.

Speaking at the launch of the “Enabling Children with Disabilities for a Brighter Tomorrow Project”, Sanlam Kenya PLC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Nyamemba Patrick Tumbo, said the initiative will integrate tailored occupational therapy interventions, sports, and art activities for the inaugural cohort of more than 50 children, enhancing their functional abilities, independence, and overall quality of life.

“At Sanlam, we are proud to partner with the Gertrude Hospital Foundation (GHF) in Kenya in this noble initiative to foster a sense of belonging and promote independence among participants. Ultimately, the programme aims to foster social inclusion and acceptance, positioning children with disabilities to participate in educational and vocational opportunities, thus enhancing their employability prospects,” Dr Tumbo said.

From left to right: Dr Patrick Tumbo (GCEO Sanlam Kenya), Nozizwe Vundla (Head of Sanlam Foundation), Dr Robert Nyarango (CEO Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital), George Kuria (CEO, Sanlam General Insurance Ltd, Kenya), and Dr Thomas Ngwiri (Head of Projects, Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation).

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital CEO, Dr Robert Nyarango, reiterated that the Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation aims to enhance the independence and economic potential of children with disabilities in Kenya by developing their social and functional skills. He expressed regret that, in Kenya, persons with disabilities (PWDs) face significant barriers to accessing formal employment despite existing incentives to encourage more inclusion.

Dr Nyarango added, “The Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation’s paediatric health intervention programmes deliver diagnostic, treatment, and care services at no cost, particularly to children in hard-to-reach areas of Kenya. Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation’s mission is to improve access to quality healthcare services for disadvantaged children in Kenya and Eastern Africa through the integration of care, research, education, and technology. The Foundation believes that expanding access to quality healthcare can significantly enhance the developmental prospects of every child.”