Director of the Directorate of Disability Services at Kenyatta University, Dr Lubna Mazrui, said that stigma remains a barrier, with some families still hiding children with disabilities.
Awareness campaigns, she argues, are as important as fundraising.
"For children with disabilities, a wheelchair is far more than a mobility device. It is a gateway to education, play, social interaction, and participation in community life-key pillars of physical, emotional, and social development," she said, adding, "Without appropriate mobility support, many children are excluded from everyday experiences that shape childhood and future opportunities."
However, access to suitable wheelchairs remains limited due to challenges such as inadequate funding and a shortage of skilled professionals to conduct proper assessment, fitting, and follow-up support.
As a result, many children are left without wheelchairs or rely on poorly fitted devices that can compromise their health and well-being.
According to Dr Michael Munene, Executive director National Council of People Living with Disability (NCOWD), Kenya's estimated need for assistive devices, especially wheelchair is staggering.
He revealed that 200,000 wheelchairs and other mobility devices are required annually. Yet government provision last financial year stood at about 4,700 devices, with a target of 5,000 this year.
This year's Great Wheel places a special focus on children, highlighting the importance of early intervention and regular reassessment as children grow and their mobility needs change.
The initiative will culminate on March 1, 2026, with celebrations to mark International Wheelchair Day at Bukhungu Stadium.
The closing event is expected to bring together children with disabilities, caregivers, policymakers, and advocates to celebrate mobility, inclusion, and the right of every child to move freely and participate fully in society.
"We hope the campaign will strengthen public awareness, mobilise resources, and influence policies that prioritise assistive technology as a critical component of child health and disability inclusion in Kenya," said Munene.