Exchange Learning Visit to Kenya: A Journey of Shared Knowledge and Inspiration

A team from the Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN), our local partner in Nepal, recently participated in a transformative exchange learning visit to Kenya. Hosted by our Kenyan Actions for Change partner, the Northern Nomadic Disabled Persons Organization (NONDO), the visit aimed to draw valuable insights from Kenya’s Action for Change project, — a project closely aligned with BYAN’s initiatives in Nepal.

Representing BYAN were Nilu Maharjan (Project Coordinator), Ramchandra Gaihre (President) and Arjun Bahadur Rawal (General Secretary). Supported by CBM UK, and facilitated by colleagues from CBM Global Nepal and Kenya, the visit provided an invaluable opportunity for cross-learning, fostering collaboration and shared strategies to advance inclusion and empowerment for people with disabilities in both countries.

The following reflection was written by BYAN’s Nilu Maharjan.

Cultural and historical immersion

The visit commenced with an enriching cultural exchange. The team explored the Giraffe Centre and the iconic Kenya International Convention Center (KICC) in Nairobi, delving into Kenya’s history and culture. These initial interactions laid the foundation for building meaningful connections during the visit.

Organisational learning and courtesy visits

On the second day, the team visited the NONDO office, where they reviewed the week’s schedule and engaged in strategic discussions. Courtesy calls were made to the National Council for Persons with Disabilities and the CBM Global Kenya office, fostering collaborative dialogues on disability-inclusive development.

“Learning from the inclusive approaches of NONDO and CBM Global Kenya was an eye-opener. The way they empower persons with disabilities in leadership and decision-making inspired us to strengthen similar practices within BYAN.” – Nilu Maharjan, Project Coordinator, BYAN

Field visits: learning from the ground up

The third day took the team to Kajiado County, where they visited key stakeholders and learned about NONDO’s grassroots efforts. Courtesy calls to the County Office’s Social Service and Disability Mainstreaming Departments highlighted Kenya’s governmental commitment to disability inclusion.

The team visited two local Organisations of People with Disabilities (OPDs), Loodokilani and Ewauso. These organisations, supported by NONDO, demonstrated inspiring practices in capacity building. Members, including people with disabilities, caregivers, and parents, receive training in bee-keeping, table banking, animal rearing, and bead ornament making. Beyond training, NONDO provides financial support to empower these OPDs for self-sustainability.

The hands-on experiences offered an insightful glimpse into how NONDO uplifts communities by enabling OPDs to thrive independently, ensuring long-term impact and resilience.

Peter, the Secretary of the OPD group in Ewaso, shared a powerful insight during the exchange visit, stating, “The success is in the unity rather than the money we get.” This profound statement highlights how the OPD group values the strength of their collective unity above the financial gains from their hard work. It reflects their belief that true sovereignty and success come from the collaboration and connection among members, with unity forming the foundation of their achievements.

“Interacting with OPD members in Kenya was truly inspiring. Their resilience and determination to address community challenges showed us the power of grassroots-level change led by persons with disabilities.” – Ramchandra Gaihre, President BYAN

Exchange with DREAM Achievers Youth Organisation (DAYO) in Mombasa

The team’s journey continued to Mombasa, where they engaged with DAYO, a partner of the Right Here Right Now (RHRN) initiative. The visit showcased the impactful work of youth champions who deliver Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) sessions to individuals with disabilities.

A collaborative meeting between BYAN, CBM Global, DAYO, and RHRN further strengthened partnerships, emphasising the shared mission of advancing SRHR for people with disabilities. As a highlight, BYAN’s president participated in a radio programme organised by DAYO, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities for people with disabilities in accessing SRHR services.

Critical reflections

During our visit to the National Council for Persons with Disabilities in Kenya, we learned about their integrated approach to disability inclusion, where each of Kenya’s 47 counties has a council dedicated to people with disabilities. This structure is quite different from Nepal, where no such centralised council exists. It was eye-opening to understand how Kenya’s Disability Act of 2003 and the subsequent establishment of the National Council have shaped their disability policies and support systems. We were particularly inspired by the council’s web-based disability statistics database, the allocation of protection allowances, and the 30% procurement opportunities reserved for women, youth, and marginalised groups, including people with disabilities.

BYAN also visited the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK), where we saw firsthand their impactful work in producing wheelchairs, prosthetic legs, and crutches, in addition to providing physiotherapy services. These visits underscored the innovative accessibility and rehabilitation programmes in Kenya and provided us with insights that we could potentially adapt for BYAN’s ongoing efforts in Nepal.

One of the key highlights during the Kenya learning visit was BYAN’s presentation of inclusive Information, Communication, and Education (ICE) materials. These materials, developed in Braille, large print, easy-to-read formats, and pictures, underscored the importance of ensuring accessibility for individuals with diverse needs.

For the NONDO, DAYO, and Kenya teams, this was a significant learning opportunity. They acknowledged the gaps in their own efforts to incorporate inclusive actions in accessibility. The absence of such tailored materials in their initiatives highlighted the need for proactive measures to ensure that no individual is left behind.

BYAN’s approach to inclusivity served as an eye-opener, inspiring the teams to consider how similar practices could be adopted in their contexts. The reflective discussions reinforced the idea that inclusion is not just about practical, accessible solutions that empower all individuals, particularly persons with disabilities, to access information equitably.

“The exchange visit was truly insightful as we learned about the nomadic communities in Kenya and how OPDs are successfully engaging them in their initiatives. Compared to Nepal, where such engagement can be very challenging, this experience provided valuable exposure to the unique ways OPDs can adapt their approaches to include nomadic lifestyles.” – Samjhana Shah, Program Officer, CBM Nepal

Best practice and initiatives for replication

One of the standout initiatives we observed during the visit was NONDO’s work with self-help groups formed by parents of persons with disabilities. These groups are mobilised to develop income-generating skills and work together in a supportive, unified environment. The members not only help each other but also engage in various community development activities, such as training in vocational skills like bee-keeping and bead ornament making. The group solidarity and empowerment is something we coulld replicate in Nepal.

The champions of NONDO were deeply involved in these groups, facilitating the registration of people with disabilities and supporting self-help groups in remote areas like Kajiado. Despite the challenges posed by their location, the members of these groups were remarkably progressive and enthusiastic about their work. Their resilience and sense of community left a lasting impact on us, and we believe there are key elements of this model that we can integrate into our own initiatives in Nepal to further empower persons with disabilities and their families.

“When I introduced myself to participants from self-help groups of OPDs, they admired my journey as a visually impaired individual who became a successful government teacher. The conversations we had during the visit inspired them to strive for greater achievements in their own lives.” – Arjun Rawal, General Secretary, BYAN

Key takeaways

The exchange visit underscored the importance of global learning and collaboration in advancing disability rights and inclusion. Kenya’s Action for Change project inspired the BYAN team with practical strategies for capacity building, empowerment, and sustainability. The team returned to Nepal with renewed vigour and innovative ideas to enhance their ongoing efforts.

Conclusion

This exchange learning visit was more than just an opportunity to observe practices and strategies – it was a journey of shared growth and understanding. It reinforced the importance of global collaboration in advancing disability inclusion while providing a platform to exchange innovative ideas and best practices. Beyond the technical learning, the visit allowed the BYAN team to deeply understand the cultural and contextual nuances of disability inclusion in Kenya. This immersive experience highlighted the value of contextualising solutions to fit the unique needs of communities while embracing shared goals. Such exchange visits are vital not only for identifying challenges and replicating successful practices but also for fostering mutual respect and collaboration across borders. They provide a holistic perspective, encompassing technical knowledge, cultural appreciation, and innovative thinking. BYAN remains committed to integrating these valuable insights into its efforts in Nepal, building a more inclusive society that empowers people with disabilities to thrive.