
Visually impaired law students from the University of Nairobi have received a major boost in their academic journey following the handover of MacBook laptops by inABLE.
The initiative, aimed at enhancing digital accessibility in higher education, took place on Thursday January 30, 2025, at the university’s Law Campus in Parklands, Nairobi.
The laptops were provided as part of inABLE’s Assistive Technology Training Program, which equips visually impaired law students from Kenya with essential digital skills to improve their academic experience and professional readiness.
The program, now in its second cohort, is bridging the gap in access to legal education by providing alternative learning solutions beyond traditional Braille.
University of Nairobi’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, expressed appreciation for inABLE’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in higher education.
She noted that for the university to thrive, partnerships like this were essential, adding that the provision of assistive technology ensures that all students, regardless of disability, have equal access to education.
“A great leader can only be known by what they leave behind,” stated Prof. Hutchinson, Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, as she hailed Julius Mbura, UoN alumni and an Advocacy Officer at inABLE Kenya.
The VC encouraged the beneficiaries to be champions of change.
She reaffirmed UoN’s commitment to partner with such organizations to support the abled differently in the institution in line with the University’s Disability Policy.
inABLE Board Member Joe Kiarie highlighted the transformative impact of digital accessibility, stating that the initiative was not just about providing laptops but about investing in the students’ future.
He acknowledged the challenges that visually impaired students face in university education and reiterated inABLE’s commitment to empowering them through technology.
The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Winfred Kamau, echoed similar sentiments, saying the laptops would significantly contribute to the university’s goal of ensuring all students can access learning resources equitably.
Lawrence Mute, Chairperson of the Disability Mainstreaming Committee at the Faculty of Law, lauded the initiative, highlighting the transformative progress in accessibility for visually impaired students.
One of the student beneficiaries, Samson Kenyatta Moiruruki, described the initiative as more than just support, calling it a strong commitment to inclusivity.
“We do not take this for granted. We thank the university for collaborating with inABLE to ensure that law students with visual impairments can pursue their studies and research unhindered.”
The training, which took place between May and October 2024, at Kenyatta University’s and University of Nairobi’s Parklands campus, saw 15 students from both universities undergo intensive digital skills training.
The program covered MacBook accessibility features, file management, research tools, and productivity applications essential for legal studies.
Mbura emphasized that this initiative is a game-changer for students with disabilities, as it ensures equal access to education and digital resources.
He added that inABLE would continue mentoring the students and monitoring the impact of technology on their academic progress. “Plans are in place to scale the program, enabling us to reach more students,” he asserted.
With assistive technology becoming increasingly crucial in education, inABLE’s program is paving the way for a more inclusive learning environment in Kenya.
The organization remains committed to expanding digital accessibility for young people with disabilities, ensuring they have the tools and skills to thrive in academia and beyond. About inABLE inABLE is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing digital accessibility and assistive technology solutions for African youth with disabilities.
Through partnerships with schools, universities, and policymakers, inABLE advocates for inclusive education, ensures access to technology, and promotes equitable digital opportunities for all.
By KBC Digital