UoN and inABLE Partner to Empower Visually Impaired Students
In a remarkable step toward inclusivity and empowerment, the University of Nairobi’s Faculty of Law held a handover ceremony for 10 programmed MacBooks to its visually impaired students. This significant event held at the Parklands Campus on January 30, 2025, marked a collaborative effort between the University of Nairobi and inABLE-Kenya, a non-profit organisation based in Kenya and the United States that uses computer-assisted technology to empower blind and visually impaired students in Africa. This initiative underscores the institution’s commitment to ensuring that no student is left behind in its quest to be globally competitive.
Present at the ceremony were, the Vice Chancellor (Ag), Prof Margaret Hutchinson, Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof Winifred Kamau, Dean of Students, Mr. Johnson Kinyua, Chairperson, Central Disability Mainstreaming Committee Member, Prof Collins Odote and student leaders. Representing inABLE-Kenya were, Board of Directors Member, Mr Joseph Kiarie and Advocacy Officer, Mr. Julius Mbura.
The initiative was spearheaded by Mr. Mbura, an alumnus of the University of Nairobi’s Faculty of Law, who had the desire to give back to his alma mater. Mr. Mbura who is also visually impaired, envisioned and facilitated this collaboration to support visually impaired law students in navigating their academic journey with greater ease and efficiency. The MacBooks, customized with assistive technology tailored to the needs of the visually impaired, symbolize a transformative step in promoting accessibility and inclusivity within the education landscape. Law was the flag-off faculty as plans are underway to roll out the devices to all faculties.
In his remarks, Mr Kiarie highlighted the vital role of technology in bridging accessibility gaps and commended the University of Nairobi for fostering an environment that embraces diversity and inclusion. “At inABLE, we believe in the transformative power of technology to change lives. By equipping these brilliant students with these tailored MacBooks, we are not just providing tools but empowering them to excel in their academic pursuits and beyond,” said Mr. Kiarie.
Upon receiving the devices, Prof Hutchinson expressed profound gratitude to inABLE-Kenya and Julius Mbura for their dedication and generosity. She emphasized the University’s mission to uphold inclusivity as a cornerstone of its vision to be a globally competitive institution. “This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring that all our students, regardless of their physical challenges, have the tools and resources necessary to excel. It is collaborations like these that drive our mission to transform society and empower every individual within our community,” she remarked.
The event underscored the transformative impact of alumni engagement and the power of strategic partnerships in advancing inclusivity in education. For the visually impaired students at the Faculty of Law, the MacBooks represent more than just devices; they symbolize opportunity, equity, and a brighter future.
