KMTC manufactures and gifts physically challenged with artificial legs
More than 20 people struggling with physical challenges got fitted with prosthetic legs and began to walk without wheelchairs and crutches.
It was the first time the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) under the Department of Orthopedic Technology manufactured and donated such artificial limbs with the help of its students.
The all-inclusive medical camp, held on Friday, June 23, 2023, at the Nairobi headquarters also saw area residents benefit from a wide range of medical services including eye, ear, nose, and dental clinics, ultrasound for expectant mothers, among other services.
“We recognize that mobility is a necessity. Through this initiative we are giving Kenyans a fresh sense of purpose and hope,” said CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch during the event which kicked off with a five-kilometer walk to create awareness of physical challenges alongside other medical conditions.
Adding that, “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) provides an opportunity of giving back to the community and to create a lasting impact on society.”
For decades, the College has been playing an important role in preparing its learners for prosthetic technology with the aim of addressing challenges associated with physical impairment.
Beneficiaries narrated their harrowing tales of being stigmatized and neglected, with some explaining the struggles of purchasing prostheses.
According to the 2019 census, 2.2 percent (0.9 million people) of Kenyans live with some form of disability.
For Serah Wanjiku, a beneficiary, the donation was a dream come true: “I have been hoping that one day someone would come to my aid. Indeed, today my prayers have been answered. I am now confident walking around. I can dance and comfortably performs my daily tasks,” she narrated.
“This gadget you are seeing would have cost me Ksh 150, 000. Because I did not have the money, I used a wheelchair, which is not very convenient,” she continued.
The beneficiaries, however, thanked the College for putting smiles on their faces, enabling them to feel recognized and have a sense of belonging.
The medical camp benefitted over 500 people.
On the other hand, Dr. Oluoch noted that the government has set an ambitious target to restore 10.6 million hectares of degraded landscapes, aiming to improve biodiversity and mitigate climate change effects.
“It is for this reason that each of our 2,500 staff members will plant at least 30 trees annually, thereby contributing to the restoration of the environment,” said Dr. Oluoch. The team undertook a tree-planting exercise on the sideline of the medical camp.
The staff and students offered their time and energy by actively taking part in the camp as part of their support for this initiative.
As a responsible citizen and in addition to training competent health professionals, KMTC has remained committed to the well-being of the, through various CSR initiatives, which are replicated across its 74 campuses situated across 44 counties in the country.
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