By Eddah Waithaka
In a significant push to integrate persons with epilepsy into national support systems, a multi-agency medical drive in Nairobi has registered hundreds of individuals, aiming to shatter deep-seated myths and grant access to crucial government benefits.
The two-day event, organized by the Kenya Association for the Welfare of People with Epilepsy (KAWE) in partnership with the Nairobi County Government and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), provided free disability assessments and registration.
Officials confirmed the drive registered approximately 300 people across two locations, with another session planned for later this week.
“Our aim is to make sure that persons with epilepsy are living their lives just like any other person in the community,” said Nicholas Otieno, a clinician with KAWE.
He explained that widespread myths that epilepsy is caused by demons, curses, or witchcraft often prevent people from seeking medical help.
“These myths are the reasons why these people are not coming to health facilities,” Otieno stated. “The first thing is to make them understand that this is a medical condition.”The initiative directly tackles this barrier by bringing services to the community.
Michael Mwangi, an occupational therapist coordinating the effort for Nairobi County, emphasized the government’s role.“All these employees are from the county government,” Mwangi said.
“We have been setting up desks in facilities, so that they take them through the medical process. Today’s activity is to get them registered with the National Council so that they can benefit from access to medicine.”
Registration with the NCPWD unlocks a suite of benefits. Jane Wamugu, the NCPWD Nairobi Regional Coordinator, detailed the support available, including free medication, therapies, diapers for those in need, tax exemptions, and duty-free importation of personal vehicles.
“For one to enjoy that service, you must be registered,” Wamugu stressed. The process, now fully digitized through the e-Citizen platform, leads to a certificate that serves as proof of disability.
The drive signals a growing effort to decentralize and destigmatize epilepsy care. Nicholas Otieno highlighted KAWE’s advocacy work to ensure epilepsy management is available at the primary healthcare level, making it more affordable and accessible.
“We are looking at managing epilepsy within the primary health care level because epilepsy has been believed to be expensive intentionally,” Otieno said.
“If we drop the management to that level, we will be able to reduce the expense.”Officials reported a notable increase in registrations, which they attribute to sustained awareness campaigns that are encouraging families to bring loved ones out of hiding and into the support system.
“We have seen an upsurge of persons with disabilities. That means that those who have been hidden for long are being brought on board,” Wamugu said.
“It’s your voice, my voice, telling them we have these services.”With another registration drive scheduled for Thursday in Kamukunji, the collaborative effort continues its mission to ensure that persons with epilepsy are recognized, treated, and empowered to live full lives within their communities.
