Meet Maina Karanja, who is changing the narrative for people with disabilities in Nakuru

When I met Maina Karanja, I expected to find someone helping him navigate the streets. To my surprise, he was alone, waiting at our agreed meeting point.

As we made our way down Kenyatta Avenue, Maina manoeuvred his wheelchair effortlessly, all the while taking part in our conversation. It was clear that he was a man on a mission to change the narrative.

Diagnosed with motor neurone disease at the age of eight, his life took a dramatic turn. But his parents were determined that he should get an education.

"After completing primary school, my parents enrolled me at a high school for kids with special needs. I then joined the Rift Valley National Polytechnic to study Business Administration," he states.

After graduating, Maina started selling second-hand clothes before finding a job, which he held for three years.

Now he is focused on ensuring that people with disabilities can earn a living using their talents, skills and knowledge, rather than relying on others.

"Some people with disabilities think that begging is the only way to survive, but that shouldn't be the case. We all have skills that can help us earn a living and become independent," he says.

In 2023, Maina founded the Beyond Barriers Empowerment Network, an organisation dedicated to creating an inclusive society by breaking down the barriers faced by people with disabilities.

"I started the organisation to address the inclusion challenges we face and to promote accessibility and empowerment in social, workplace and educational settings to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to thrive and fully participate in all aspects of life," he explains.

Maina says the organisation runs various programmes including disability mainstreaming education, assistive devices counselling and disability mentorship and coaching.

The 26-year-old notes that they also conduct thorough accessibility audits to assess physical spaces, digital platforms and communication materials.

Maina reveals that he is committed to building a society that values diversity and ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, can actively participate and contribute.

He is currently studying for a diploma at the same institution.