‘Accessible Kenya Mission’: Applications invited for ‘Basic Access Auditor’ Training Course

Accessibility and inclusion are becoming the new watchwords across the world. To bring a large section of society, that remained neglected for centuries, to the mainstream life and economic activities, accessible public infrastructure is the first step forward. It is commendable that many countries are taking steps to make their public infrastructure accessible.

Svayam is collaborating with National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Govt. of Kenya for “Promoting Accessibility in public infrastructure of Kenya to realise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.  To add wings to the National Council’s efforts in achieving greater accessibility in Kenya’s public infrastructure & services, Svayam and the Council have jointly launched a detailed Action Plan titled as ‘Accessible  Kenya Mission’ with an aim to contribute in capacity building of stakeholders and facilitate the strategies for achieving accessibility in built environment in Kenya.

Application Process and Criteria

Applications are, therefore invited from Kenyan nationals for five-day Basic Access Auditor Training Course, scheduled from 24 June 2019 to 28 June 2019 (both days inclusive) in Nairobi Kenya.

About the Basic Access Auditor Course:

As Kenya is aspiring to provide more inclusive and friendly built environment to people of all ages and abilities, need of professionals who have an expertise on the specific needs of people with disabilities is growing. Traditional courses in rehabilitation, medical and para-medical, civil engineering, design, architecture, special education etc. do not exhaustively cover the subject well. The NCPWD has a mandate to issue adjustment orders to ensure accessibility in existing buildings; however, there is shortage of hands who can evaluate a built environment and offer recommendations to make the environment accessible. This 5-day unique crash course based on ISO 21542 (approved standard by Govt. of Kenya) will fill that gap and will prepare a fleet of trained basic access auditors who could be deployed for access audits of built environment to promote accessibility in public infrastructure of Kenya to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The course is being organized by NCPWD Kenya in collaboration with Svayam-Global Centre for Inclusive Environments, India at Nairobi, Kenya during 24-28 June 2019.

Medium of Instruction: Course will be conducted in English language only.

Minimum Eligibility

  • Education – A Graduate Degree in Social Sciences, Rehabilitation, Science, Medicine, Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering,
  • Age: – Preferably below 51 years
  • Experience: Minimum 2 to 5 years

Preference to :

  • Exposure in Developmental sector;
  • Persons with disabilities will be given preference

Application Process

Candidates can apply directly and may be nominated by NGOs/development sector. All candidates have to apply for the training by filling out the online form below

Candidates must ensure they meet the minimum eligibility criteria. Applicants who are not affiliated to any NGO or Department and applying for the course as an Individual, are required to submit two recommendation letters, one each from National Council and from an NGO of national repute in Kenya of their suitability which may be sent by email to svayam.india@gmail.com after submitting the online application form. Closing date for submitting the documents and making application form is 14 June 2019.

Selection Process

Application received within stipulated will be scrutinized and telephonic /video interviews will be conducted to further analyze the suitability of the candidates for the course. Seats are limited and shall be filled on first come first served basis. The decision of the Chief Coordinator, Accessible Kenya Mission, on selection of a candidate for the course shall be final and will not be open to adjudication.

Course Duration and requirements

This five-day (full time) course will be conducted from 24th June 2019 to 28th June 2019 at Nairobi, Kenya from 10 AM to 5 PM. The days will be long and busy with course work, assessments and field visits. The candidates must be able to withstand the course requirements. The candidates will have to individually pass both the theory and practical examination (minimum qualifying marks 50%) for successful completion of course.

Course Fee

There will be no Fee charged for this course; however, the selected candidates will have make their own arrangements of travel to the training venue. Tea, Snacks, Lunch will be provided.  The candidates completing the course will undertake to conduct at least 10 access audits of buildings identified by the National Council free of cost and submit access audit reports as their contribution to the Accessible Kenya Mission.

Certification and Inclusion in the List of Basic Access Auditors

The successful candidates at the end of the training will be issued a Certificate of “Basic Access Auditor” jointly by National Council for Persons with Disabilities, Govt. of Kenya and Svayam – Global Centre for Inclusive Environments, India. A certified candidate will be competent to conduct access appraisals of the built environment from the perspective of its usability by persons with disabilities and make recommendations consonant with the requirements of ISO 21542 and the National Act on Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2003. The certified candidates will undertake to actively engage in conducting the access audit of built environment under the Inclusive Kenya Mission’ to help achieve an accessible Kenya for all.