The Action Foundation

We believe in an Africa where Children and Youth with Disabilities have Equal Opportunities to Succeed

Email us: [email protected]

[The Action Foundation @TheActionKenya]

Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) plays a vital role in advancing disability inclusion at the community level. As these systems evolve, technology can help strengthen coordination, improve access to information and services, and make community-level support more efficient and responsive.

Following the testing of the Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Program (DPRP) App at household and health facility levels, the Kajiado County team came together to review and validate the app ahead of its implementation.

The DPRP App is designed to strengthen how CBR is coordinated and delivered across the county, bringing together key functionalities including household registration, digital assessments, tracking of Individual Rehabilitation Plans (IRPs), referrals and linkages to essential services, a service provider directory, offline functionality, and more.

The review brought together representatives from different county departments, whose insights and recommendations will help further strengthen the app and ensure it responds to the realities and needs of persons with disabilities, their families and communities.

As a pilot initiative in Kajiado County, the DPRP App has the potential to demonstrate how technology can strengthen community-based rehabilitation and inform the scale-up of digital CBR approaches in other counties and beyond Kenya.

We look forward to the next steps towards implementation and to harnessing technology to strengthen access to services and ultimately improve the quality of life of children and youth with disabilities.

Image Description:
A series of photos from the DPRP App review and validation meeting, featuring representatives from various departments of the Kajiado County Government engaging in discussions and reviewing the app.

#DPRPApp #Inspire2Care #Innovation

[The Action Foundation @TheActionKenya]

Sign languages are languages. They connect, empower and open doors to participation.

Today, we commemorate the International Day of Sign Languages and Deaf Awareness Month, recognising the important role sign languages play in enabling persons with hearing impairments to communicate, learn, express themselves, access information and fully participate in society.

This year’s theme, “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights,” calls attention to the rights of persons with hearing impairments and the need to remove barriers that limit their participation and access to opportunities.

As we mark this day and month, we encourage everyone to learn and use sign language, promote accessible communication and help create spaces where persons with hearing impairments can participate, be heard and have their rights respected.

Inclusion begins when communication is accessible to everyone.

Image Description:
A white, blue and yellow poster featuring illustrations of hand signs, commemorating the International Day of Sign Languages and Deaf Awareness Month.

#InternationalDayOfSignLanguages #DeafAwarenessMonth #WeareTAF

[The Action Foundation @TheActionKenya]

What does it take to build systems that are inclusive from the start?

During #UNGA81, The Action Foundation is proud to contribute to two conversations hosted by The Sidebar, exploring how we can strengthen inclusion across early childhood development and climate adaptation.

On Wednesday, 23 September, our Founder & Executive Director, Maria Omare, and Director of Programs, Stephen Ikonya, will join other experts for “The First Five Years Matter: What It Takes to Make ECD a Public Priority.” The conversation will explore the importance of investing in the early years, with Maria and Stephen sharing insights from TAF’s work in Disability-Inclusive Early Childhood Development, including prevention, early identification and rehabilitation.

On Thursday, 24 September, Stephen Ikonya will represent TAF as a panelist at “Disability, Climate Adaptation and What Inclusive Design Actually Requires.” The session will examine how climate adaptation and emergency systems can exclude persons with disabilities when accessibility is not considered from the outset, and what inclusive design can look like in practice.

Both sessions: 3:30–5:00 PM
Venue: 134 West 29th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, USA

From the early years to climate resilience, these conversations reinforce the importance of placing inclusion at the heart of how systems, services and solutions are designed.

If you are in New York during #UNGA81, we would be happy to connect over these important conversations.

Image Description:

A black-and-white New York-themed graphic featuring portraits of panelists for two The Sidebar side events during #UNGA81.

@coimpactcollab @EchidnaGiving @comicrelief @risealliancefmg @nurture_first @LftWKE

#UNGA81 #DisabilityInclusion #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment

[The Action Foundation @TheActionKenya]

It’s time to take the conversation to the global stage.

The Action Foundation is heading to New York for the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81), under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”

TAF will be represented by our Founder & Executive Director, Maria Omare, and Director of Programs, Stephen Ikonya.

During the week, Maria and Stephen will participate in Side Bar, Education House, and other convenings bringing together leaders, partners and changemakers from around the world.

We look forward to connecting with partners, learning from others, sharing our experience from Kenya and Africa, and bringing disability inclusion more strongly into global conversations.

If you will be in New York during UNGA week, we would love to connect.

Follow along as we share moments and reflections from #UNGA81.

Image Description:

A white, blue and yellow poster featuring portraits of TAF’s Founder & Executive Director, Maria Omare, and Director of Programs, Stephen Ikonya, announcing their representation of TAF during UNGA81 in New York.

#UNGA81 #DisabilityInclusion #InclusiveEducation #WeAreTAF

[AMPLIFY Girls @AMPLIFY_Girls]

Day 2 of the Kenya partner learning exchange at @TheActionKenya was eye-opening and immersive.🍀👏

The AG Kenya partners and team experienced TAF's digital literacy training session for girls and young women with disabilities. During the session, partners also shared insights into their work for women and girls in different regions in Kenya.

The fireside chat with girls, mentors, and caregivers of girls with disabilities was the highlight of the 2-day experience🌟. The conversation gave girls the opportunity to share their journey toward agency, showing how mentorship and an enabling environment help girls thrive.

A big thank you to TAF for organizing a great learning experience for partners.

#LearningExchange #AMPLIFYHer #GirlsinSTEM

[The Action Foundation @TheActionKenya]

Slides 5 - 7

[The Action Foundation @TheActionKenya]

A week of strengthening partnerships, advancing inclusion and planning for greater impact. Here’s our weekly wrap-up.

Last week, we:

• Signed an MoU with Kenyatta University to advance research, program implementation, knowledge generation and career development for learners with disabilities.

• Hosted Amplify Girls Kenya partners for a two-day learning visit, showcasing our work with caregivers, girls and women with disabilities.

• Reviewed and validated the DPRP app with Kajiado County officials ahead of its pilot rollout.

• Advanced the Inclusive Early Childhood Education (IECE) Longitudinal Study through Board of Management sensitization and county-level engagement across seven counties.

• Reflected on the past financial year and planned for the year ahead as we continue strengthening our services and impact.

Swipe through for the highlights.

Image Description:
A carousel highlighting key activities from the past week as we strengthen partnerships, advance inclusion and plan for greater impact.

@KenyattaUni | @AMPLIFY_Girls
#Inclusion #WeareTAF #TAFat16

[The Action Foundation @TheActionKenya]

Images 5 - 8

[The Action Foundation @TheActionKenya]

17 years ago, a dream was born at Kenyatta University. This week, we returned to where it all began.

In her second year at Kenyatta University, our Founder & Executive Director, Maria Omare, participated in a volunteer project that exposed her to the realities faced by children with disabilities and their caregivers.

What she saw stayed with her. It sparked a vision and that vision would eventually become The Action Foundation (TAF).

This week, 17 years later, we were proud to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kenyatta University, marking a new chapter in a journey that began within the university’s own community.

The partnership will strengthen collaboration between TAF and Kenyatta University in research, programme implementation, knowledge generation and career development for learners with disabilities.

TAF was represented by our Founder & Executive Director, Maria Omare, alongside members of the TAF leadership team, while Kenyatta University was represented by Prof. Lucy Maina, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Outreach, together with Deans, Heads of Departments and other university officials.

We are excited about what lies ahead as we work together to generate knowledge, strengthen programmes, nurture talent and create greater opportunities for learners with disabilities.

Image Description:
A series of photos capturing the MoU signing between TAF and KU at the university boardroom, featuring representatives from both institutions.

@KenyattaUni

#Partnerships #DisabilityInclusion #Research

[The Action Foundation @TheActionKenya]

As we mark 60 years since UNESCO declared International Literacy Day, we reflect on the progress made in advancing literacy and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn, participate and thrive.

This year’s theme, “Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity,” reminds us that literacy is a fundamental human right and a powerful tool for participation, empowerment and inclusion.

For learners with disabilities, access to literacy opens pathways to self-expression, education and independence, while ensuring that their voices are heard and valued in the society.

Today, our Inclusive Education Lead, Thomas Odeny, joined TV47’s morning show to share insights on the importance of advancing inclusive literacy and ensuring that no learner is left behind.

Here’s a snippet from today’s conversation.

Watch the full conversation here: https://t.co/KLaDn0u5dg

Video Description:
A video snippet featuring TAF’s Inclusive Education Lead, Thomas Odeny, sharing insights on literacy and inclusion during TV47’s morning show commemorating International Literacy Day 2026.

@UNESCO @EduMinKenya
#ILD2026 #InternationalLiteracyDay #InclusiveEducation

[The Action Foundation @TheActionKenya]

Slide 9

[The Action Foundation @TheActionKenya]

A week of reflection, advancing inclusion, strengthening partnerships and embracing new beginnings. Here’s our weekly wrap-up.

Last week, we:

• Participated in the inaugural Africa Care Forum at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, contributing to conversations on strengthening care systems across Africa.

• Validated findings from our Inclusive Early Childhood Education (IECE) Longitudinal Study, bringing together members of the Technical Working Group to reflect on key insights, lessons learnt and recommendations for strengthening inclusive early childhood education.

• Distributed tailor-made sitting aids to children with disabilities at our Therapy Centre in Kibera, following individual assessments to ensure each device responds to their specific developmental needs.

• Gathered with partners, stakeholders and our team for TAF Prayer & Fellowship Day, a moment of thanksgiving, prayer and reflection as we looked back on the journey since the May 2nd fire and ahead to the future.

• Unveiled plans for the TAF Centre for Early Intervention, Training and Innovation (TAF CEITI), a new hub for early intervention, training, learning and disability inclusion in Africa.

• Hosted the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) for a learning visit, sharing our work and exploring opportunities for collaboration to advance disability inclusion.

• Marked the beginning of a new chapter as demolition commenced at our former HQ, making way for what comes next while honouring the work, memories and impact built within those walls.

As one chapter closes and another begins, we remain committed to strengthening systems, building partnerships and creating opportunities where every child and young person with a disability can thrive.

Image Description:
A carousel highlighting key moments from last week, including the Africa Care Forum, IECE Longitudinal Study validation, APT assistive device distribution, Prayer & Fellowship Day, TAF CEITI unveiling, NFDK learning visit and the beginning of demolition at the former TAF HQ.

#WeeklyWrapUp #WeAreTAF #DisabilityInclusion

[The Action Foundation @TheActionKenya]

Slide 5 - 8

[The Action Foundation @TheActionKenya]

A new chapter begins!

Yesterday, we gathered with our partners, stakeholders, friends and team at our HQ for Prayer & Fellowship and Holy Mass. We reflected on the four months since the fire, gave thanks for how far we have come, and prayed for the journey ahead.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us, and to all who have stood with The Action Foundation over these past months. Your prayers, encouragement, generosity and support have carried us through a difficult season.

We also shared our plans for The Action Foundation Centre for Early Intervention, Training and Innovation (TAF CEITI). Our Founder and Executive Director, Maria Omare, unveiled the plans for the new centre, which will be a hub for early intervention, training, learning and disability inclusion in Africa.

Maria also led the ceremonial demolition of our former headquarters, marking the end of a space that has been home to so much of our work and making way for the new centre.

We are grateful for what this space has been, for everyone who has been part of its story, and for the opportunity to rebuild.

The best is yet to come.

Support the Together for TAF Campaign:

Global Giving: https://t.co/fbwalYo0bZ

Mchanga Africa: https://t.co/ALGHJpgBZO

M-Pesa:
Paybill: 891300
Account: RESTORE

Image Description:
A photo slideshow highlighting the TAF Prayer & Fellowship and Holy Mass, including moments of prayer and fellowship, the unveiling of TAF CEITI plans, and the ceremonial demolition of the former headquarters.

@ReliAfrica @AMPLIFY_Girls @EduMinKenya @eMobilis @AkiliDada @SILglobal

#TAFCEITI #InclusiveAfrica #WeAreTAF

[The Action Foundation @TheActionKenya]

Join us as we advance the conversation on care at the Inaugural Africa Care Forum, taking place at the African Union (AU) Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 2nd to 4th September 2026.

The forum brings together governments, development partners, UN agencies, civil society, academia, the private sector, caregivers and other stakeholders to position care as a strategic development priority and advance stronger, inclusive and gender-responsive care systems across Africa.

We are honoured to have our Director of Programs, Stephen Ikonya, and Child Health Development & Gender Inclusion Officer, Mitchelle Sinet, representing The Action Foundation in this important continental conversation.

Follow along as our team engages and contributes to shaping the future of care in Africa.

Image Description:
An African-themed poster featuring Stephen Ikonya and Mitchelle Sinet, highlighting their participation at the Inaugural Africa Care Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

@_AfricanUnion @AU_WGYD
#AfricaCareForum #AfricaCares #WeareTAF

[RELI Africa @ReliAfrica]

EAC states push for harmonised education systems to deepen integration.
https://t.co/8foe7jLY81 #EACREC2026

[African Union Women, Gender & Youth Directorate @AU_WGYD]

𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑵𝒐𝒘:

Closed Door Meeting on the Validation of the Common Africa Position on Care Work by the Specialized Technical Committee & GEWE.

This is a precursor to the Inaugural Africa Care Forum

#AfricaCares #Agenda2063

[The Action Foundation @TheActionKenya]

Slide 5

[The Action Foundation @TheActionKenya]

The 2nd Annual East African Community Regional Education Conference (EACREC) at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, was a powerful space for dialogue, learning and collaboration around the future of education in East Africa.

As we continue reflecting on the conversations and insights from the four-day conference, we’re sharing some memorable quotes from speakers who challenged us to think differently, strengthen our collective efforts and advance more inclusive education systems.

We are glad to have been part of these important conversations and to continue contributing to a future where every learner can access quality, inclusive and equitable education.

Swipe through for some of the key quotes from EACREC 2026.

Image Description:
A carousel featuring five selected quotes from speakers at the 2nd EACREC 2026, highlighting key reflections and insights on education, inclusion and equality across East Africa.

@ReliAfrica @EduMinKenya
#EACREC #InclusiveEducation #WeAreTAF

[The Action Foundation @TheActionKenya]

Slides 5 & 6

[The Action Foundation @TheActionKenya]

A week of advancing inclusion, strengthening partnerships and creating opportunities. Here’s our weekly wrap-up.

From regional education conversations to community-level engagement and caregiver empowerment, we continued turning ideas, partnerships and knowledge into action.

This week, we:

• Advanced inclusive education at EACREC 2026, contributing to the main conference and three side-event presentations focused on disability-inclusive education.

• Supported the validation of the ICAN Inclusive Assessment Project, working alongside partners to make foundational numeracy assessments more accessible and inclusive for children with visual and hearing impairments.

• Engaged the Gatanga Sub-County team in Murang’a, introducing the Disability Prevention & Rehabilitation Programme (DPRP) and Disability-Inclusive Early Childhood Development (DIECD) as we work to strengthen inclusive services at the community level.

• Empowered caregivers through CARE (Caregiver Awareness, Resource and Empowerment), with hands-on training in crocheting, tailoring and soap making, equipping participants with practical, income-generating skills that support greater independence and economic resilience.

Step by step, we are strengthening systems, building capacities and creating opportunities where every child, young person with disabilities and caregiver can thrive.

Image Description:
A carousel highlighting key activities and engagements carried out by The Action Foundation during the week of 24–30 August 2026. Swipe through to explore the week’s highlights.

@ReliAfrica @EduMinKenya @palnetworkHQ
#DisabilityInclusion #InclusiveEducation #EconomicEmpowerment