This-Ability is a social enterprise focused on advancing Disability Rights and Inclusion in Kenya.
+254748 263 763
Email: info@this-ability.org
This Ability
Mbo-Mboini Rd, Off Dagoretti Rd, Thogoto. City Kikuyu, Central Province, Kenya. Postal Code: 00509
● Conducted entirely by women with disabilities representing deep understanof issues raised
● Comprehensive training to focal points
● A strong referral network within every county
● A comprehensive reporting structure that provides timely feedback for any undertaken
● Autonomous system that handles incoming calls
Mama Siri is a Toll free solution that provides an information and referral service to communities of women and girls with disabilities. Women and girls with disabilities from across the country can call 0800 000 300 and receive critical information on:
Gender based violence (where to go for help, what to do in the event of an occurrence)
Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (where to go and receive these services)
Legal Information (education on rights of women with disabilities, what legal action to take and where to go for assistance.)
Mental Health counseling (safe spaces and support for women with disabilities)
The service is the first of its kind in Kenya managed by women with disabilities who understand and empathize with the experiences and challenges of their community. The service was first rolled out in the 8 counties i.e. Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale, Nairobi, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kisumu and Uasin Gishu where This Ability Trust has active presence and coordinates a network of community based organizations through county focal points. The focal points (Mama Siri responders) were trained on how to handle callers, refer callers, escalate cases and record details for further action.
Disability statistics in Kenya have over the years recorded a significantly lower disability prevalence compared to the global 15% prevalence rate estimated by the World Health Organization. According to the 2019 census, 2.2% (0.9 million people) of Kenyans live with some form of disability. Direct comparison of disability prevalence in 2009 and 2019 is problematic due to differences in data collection methodologies, ages covered and size of
administrative units. The 2019 census also indicates that 1.9% of men have a disability compared with 2.5% of women. The 2009 census reported 3.4% of men and 3.5% of women had a disability.
Documented studies have shown that due to several causes there is a higher prevalence of disability among women than men, the increased incidence in sexual and gender based violence among women in addition to poor reproductive healthcare services and nutrition, women and girls with disabilities experience disproportionate levels of exclusion due to gender and disability.
A report is then generated at the end of every two weeks showing:
Caller number (names are kept private to protect the caller)
Issue raised
Referral given
Outcome
Follow up action
Kenya has failed to mainstream disability across the government's primary
sectors and instead relegated the responsibility of addressing disability issues to
weak social ministries, which then delegate the responsibility to even weaker
institutions like the National Council for Persons with Disabilities which are poorly
funded.