Machakos County has taken a bold step toward inclusive digital empowerment with the unveiling of a cutting-edge ICT hub tailored specifically for the visually impaired. Located at Machakos Technical Institute for the Blind (MTIB), the facility is a product of collaboration between the Chandaria Foundation and key government stakeholders, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey toward accessible technology for all.
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The ICT centre comes fully equipped with assistive tools designed to meet the learning and productivity needs of students with visual impairments. These include screen reader software such as JAWS and NVDA, Braille-enabled devices, voice-activated computers, Orbit Readers, and talking scientific calculators. For students who once relied heavily on analog Braille books and classroom assistance, this upgrade represents a transformative shift in independence and engagement with the digital world.
According to MTIB principal Jane Mutua, the hub is more than just a classroom. “With these tools, our students can now code, research, and even study online like any other student in the country,” she said. The facility also doubles as a vocational training ground, offering courses in digital freelancing, typing, transcription services, and basic computer maintenance. These skills position students to take advantage of national initiatives like Ajira Digital and the Jitume program, which promote youth employment through online work opportunities.
Dr. Manu Chandaria, chair of the Chandaria Foundation, emphasized the deeper significance of the project. “We must recognize that disability is not inability. Technology is the great equalizer,” he said during the launch. His words reflect a growing consensus in Kenya that innovation must be inclusive to be meaningful.
This ICT hub is part of a broader movement within Machakos County to promote assistive technology in public institutions. It also complements the national government’s digital transformation agenda under the Digital Superhighway initiative and Vision 2030, which prioritizes youth, rural communities, and persons with disabilities in Kenya’s digital economy.
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For the students of Machakos Technical Institute for the Blind, the new facility is more than just a tech centre—it is a gateway to education, independence, and new opportunities. As Kenya works to close the digital divide, this project serves as a powerful reminder that progress is most impactful when it lifts everyone, including those who have long been left out of the conversation.
