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In the heart of Kisii, Kenya, a grassroots organisation known as U-Rise Kenya is transforming the lives of vulnerable communities, particularly individuals with disabilities, by promoting awareness, enhancing access to healthcare, and providing sustainable livelihood opportunities. Founded with a vision of a neurologically healthy community enjoying an improved quality of life, U-Rise Kenya’s mission is to empower marginalized individuals through advocacy, sustainable development, and the promotion of social, economic, and environmental resilience.
U-Rise Kenya is driven by the belief that every individual deserves a chance to thrive regardless of their circumstances. Its work spans many critical areas, including environmental sustainability, neurological health, and social inclusion. From integrating climate-smart agriculture practices to advocating for better healthcare policies for people with epilepsy and other neurological disorders, U-Rise Kenya is creating lasting, positive change in neglected communities.
A Personal Journey of Inspiration
The story behind U-Rise Kenya is deeply personal. The founder, John Magati, motivated by the prevalence of epilepsy in their community, was shaken by a tragic incident in the village of Bototo—a young child had a seizure and fell into a fire, suffering severe burns. This, coupled with the devastating loss of a loved one to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), spurred the founder into action. They realized the profound gaps in knowledge and access to healthcare, especially for individuals with neurological conditions, and were determined to make a difference.
In collaboration with organizations like East Africa Neuroscience Services, the founder initiated an epilepsy clinic. The success of the pilot program—helping five patients manage their seizures—sparked an overwhelming demand from the community for ongoing support. This led to the birth of U-Rise Kenya, a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting individuals with epilepsy and other neurological disorders, advocating for their rights, and addressing the systemic issues they face.
Empowering Communities and Building Partnerships
Through local resource mobilization training from Change the Game Academy (CTGA) a programme run by KCDF, U-Rise Kenya gained valuable tools to further its mission. KCDF offers the Change the Game Academy to organisations as a means of capacity building to enable them to raise funds locally and mobilise support by working with the county governments to support the communities they work with to have a voice of their own and to understand their rights in policy formulation, advocacy and budgets within the counties they hail from.
The CTGA training equipped the U-Rise Kenya team with strategies to engage local stakeholders, secure funding, and build sustainable, community-driven projects. The results have been nothing short of remarkable.
U-Rise Kenya’s advocacy efforts have led to the successful adoption and domestication of the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP) in Kisii County. The organisation has also established the Joint Epilepsy Kenya platform, bringing together 13 organisations from 18 counties to collaborate and share resources. This sense of unity has fostered a collective approach to tackling the challenges faced by those with neurological disorders, empowering communities, and creating lasting impact.
The organisation’s economic empowerment initiatives, such as the Hass Avocado Farming Project, have helped individuals with disabilities generate sustainable incomes while contributing to environmental sustainability. U-Rise Kenya has also successfully advocated for policy changes, influencing local policy discussions and gaining recognition from local health leaders.
A Ripple of Change: Building Trust and Sustainability
One of the most significant transformations in U-Rise Kenya’s journey has been the increased capacity for local fundraising. With the help of CTGA’s training, the organisation has strengthened its relationships with local businesses, community leaders, and stakeholders, securing funds to support its various initiatives. The Hass Avocado Farming Initiative, which now supports over 100 people with disabilities, has become a model for sustainable agriculture and has sparked a ripple effect of economic growth within the community.
Through effective partnerships, including with organisations like East Africa Neuroscience Services and Youth on The Move, U-Rise Kenya has been able to bridge healthcare gaps, provide medical support, and raise awareness about epilepsy and disability rights. The community is no longer just a recipient of aid; they are active participants in the solution, with 11 sub-county champions and 70 trained community health promoters working hand-in-hand with U-Rise Kenya to address challenges and create customized solutions.
A Bright Future Ahead
U-Rise Kenya’s success is a testament to the power of collaboration, community-driven initiatives, and the profound impact of knowledge-sharing. With the support of CTGA’s training, U-Rise Kenya has evolved from a small, local initiative to a thriving, sustainable organisation that is empowering vulnerable individuals and fostering lasting change in the community.
The journey is far from over, but the work that has been accomplished so far is proof that, when communities come together with the right tools and support, they can create transformative solutions to complex challenges. Through sustainable agriculture, inclusive healthcare, and advocacy, U-Rise Kenya is not only improving the lives of individuals with disabilities but also building a more resilient and equitable future for all.
