The Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB) has called for greater inclusion of persons with visual impairment in Kenya’s growing creative economy, urging the Government, corporates and industry players to open more professional opportunities for talented persons with disabilities.
Creative Economy Must Be Inclusive
Speaking during the KSB @ 70 Talent Day & Inclusive Talent Showcase, KSB Vice Chair Anna Ooko said Kenya’s creative economy must be inclusive if the country is to fully realise its development ambitions under Vision 2030.
“The creative economy must be inclusive. People with visual impairment are not merely beneficiaries; they are artists, performers, entrepreneurs, producers, content creators and business owners. They have talent, creativity and value to contribute to Kenya’s creative economy. What they need are platforms, professional opportunities and the opportunity to earn from their creativity.”
Turning Inclusion Into Sustainable Livelihoods
Ms Ooko said KSB’s work supports the Government’s efforts to grow the creative economy and create sustainable livelihoods.
The Government is rightly investing in the creative economy as a driver of jobs, enterprise and economic growth. People with visual impairment must be part of this transformation. Inclusion cannot remain a principle on paper; it must translate into contracts, income, businesses and sustainable livelihoods.”
Call for Investment in Disability Talent
She called on corporates, media houses, creative industry players, cultural institutions and development partners to move beyond symbolic inclusion and invest directly in talent.
Give them a stage. Commission their work. Engage them professionally. Pay them fairly. Open the doors. When we invest in talent, we are not giving charity—we are investing in Kenya’s human capital and economic future.”
Talent Showcase Highlights Creative Potential
The Talent Day showcased the capabilities of artists with visual impairment and forms part of KSB’s 70-year journey of restoring dignity through education, rehabilitation, independence and inclusion.
The event also highlighted the SANARA Project, supported by HEVA Fund, which is nurturing creative talent, building skills and connecting creatives with opportunities within the creative economy.
KSB Seeks Greater Economic Participation
KSB Executive Director Samson Waweru said the Society is determined to build on its 70-year legacy by creating pathways for persons with visual impairment to participate meaningfully in the economy.
“Our next chapter is about turning talent into opportunity, creativity into livelihoods and inclusion into economic participation.”
KSB Marks 70 Years With Strategic Plan Launch
KSB will hold its 70th Anniversary Celebrations and Strategic Plan Launch from 15th–17th October 2026 in Nairobi, bringing together Government, corporates, partners, artists, development organisations and other stakeholders.
About Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB)
The Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB) was established in 1956 through an Act of Parliament, Cap 251 of the laws of Kenya (Revised 2012). KSB is charged with the responsibility of serving all Kenyan citizens who are at risk of going blind, as well as people living with visual impairment (PWVI).
The functions of KSB, as provided in Cap 251 of the laws of Kenya, are:
- To promote the welfare, education, training, and employment of the blind and to assist in the prevention and alleviation of blindness.
- To assist the government, societies, any institution, organizations or society or person in all matters related to the blind.
- To awaken public interest in the welfare of the blind and in all matters relating to blindness.
- To advise on all things necessary or required in any matter to or connected with the blind.
