The Kenya Union of the Blind (KUB) has launched the ‘White Cane for All’ campaign, aimed at empowering visually impaired Kenyans and raising awareness about the challenges they face in navigating the country’s infrastructure.
The campaign, introduced during the World White Cane Safety Day, highlights the persistent challenges of accessibility despite Kenya’s advances in road development which has remained blind for the needs of the visually impaired.
According to KUB’s Chief Executive Officer, Jackson Agufana, although Kenya has made strides in promoting disability rights, visually impaired individuals still struggle with inaccessible public spaces and transportation systems.
Agufana noted that road safety for white cane users is often compromised by both poor infrastructure—such as uneven sidewalks and poorly marked pedestrian crossings—and a general lack of awareness among drivers and pedestrians about the significance of the white cane.
“Many public spaces remain inaccessible, and the safety of white cane users is frequently overlooked. There is still a need for motorists and pedestrians to respect the right of visually impaired individuals to cross streets safely,” said Agufana.
World White Cane Safety Day, an international event is held annually to highlight the significance of the white cane as a tool of independence, safety, and freedom for the blind and visually impaired.
Nicholas Sabwa Gedi, a white cane user, shared his personal experience: “Using a white cane allows us to navigate through uneven surfaces and avoid obstacles.
“It’s our lifeline. With it, I feel safe walking with it because people recognize it as a sign of blindness, however, there is a need to improve motorists’ awareness of the white cane because I cross roads many drivers don’t stop or slow down.”
The union also called on policymakers to integrate disability-inclusive designs in future infrastructure projects and emphasized the importance of ongoing public education campaigns to promote respect for white cane users.
“Building a more inclusive society requires collective action,” Agufana added. “We are not just advocating for better tools and infrastructure, but for an attitude shift in how society views and interacts with persons with disabilities.”
To enhance accessibility of the essential tool that helps those with vision impairments lead independent lives, Kenya Union of the Blind (KUB) unveiled three groundbreaking initiatives aimed at enhancing access of visually impaired tools, services and safety of visually impaired individuals across the country.
KUB unveiled ‘Jisajili Ujulikane wewe ni VIP a” USSD Code: *678# to register visually impaired persons and create a database of visually impaired persons across all 47 counties to help them get access to specialized government services.
The union also launched ‘Whitecane All” Campaign that aims to raise resources to avail and distribute 100,000 White Canes in 1,000 Days.
“We are launching the white cane for all campaign to raise ‘100,000 White Canes in 1,000 Days’ in order to ensure that every visually impaired Kenyan has access to the most basic device for mobility and independence—a white cane. This initiative will help distribute over 100,000 canes nationwide over the next three years, particularly in underserved communities,” Agufana said.
KUB also unveiled a new Smart Cane innovation in the Kenyan market which promises to revolutionize the lives of blind and visually impaired across the Country.
According to Agufana the new white cane device uses ultra-sonic sensors to detect obstacles up to 3 meters’ radius outdoors and 1 meter indoor.
“As the world advances technologically so too must the tools that empower people with disabilities. The smart cane represents a significant leap forward in addressing the mobility challenges faced by the blind and visually impaired.”
The smart cane uses advanced technology such as ultrasonic sensors and vibration feedback to help users avoid obstacles and navigate safely. This is a game changer for people navigating both urban and rural environments, Agufana explained.
Agufana emphasized the critical need for these efforts, noting that they represent bold steps toward addressing the mobility challenges faced by the blind and visually impaired in Kenya.
The Kenya Union of the Blind ‘Whitecane for all campaign’ aims to raise awareness of the importance of white cane safety, improve accessibility, and encourage partnerships across the government, private sector, and civil society to support those living with visual impairments.
KUB is also calling for collective action from the government, private sector, and the public to ensure both initiatives are successful. These efforts are seen as essential steps toward building a more inclusive society where every visually impaired person has the freedom to move independently.
