In Kenya: An award-winning project supporting micro-entrepreneurs with deafblindness
In 2025, Sense International Kenya won the prestigious Zero Project award for its innovative micro-entrepreneurship programme in partnership with the Inclusive Futures consortium, which supports disability-led businesses to thrive within communities.
The Zero Project is committed to supporting the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by researching and supporting innovative solutions globally, with annual awards granted to organisations who fulfil this goal.
The award recognises the programme’s milestone achievement to support people with deafblindness and other complex disabilities, who are often socially and financially excluded from their local communities, to earn an income and support themselves and their families. The programme, funded by UK Aid through Inclusive Futures, provides people with deafblindness and other complex disabilities in Kenya with mentoring to develop essential business skills, as well as support and connections to grow their enterprises.
Beryl’s Story
This support has enabled adults with deafblindness in Kenya like Beryl to earn an income, achieve greater independence, and connect with their local communities. Beryl, who is totally blind and has partial hearing loss, had no means to support herself without access to skills training specific to her needs. Through the micro-entrepreneurship project, Sense International Kenya supported and funded her to attend a school for the deaf and blind and learn tailoring skills. With an investment from the project she was able start her own stall selling door and table matts, which is now flourishing. Through training in money management, accounting and customer service, Beryl has built a successful business, supporting herself and her family, and is proud of her independence.
“When Sense International took me in, they gave me some money and I started my business. I started small, even in the stall, we began by selling just about four items. But right now, the stall is fully stocked.
At home I am the one who supports my mum because my siblings also have disabilities. From this business, we get our daily needs. The mats also bring in good money.
My hope for the future is to expand this business so it grows. I would want to start a wholesale business selling yarn and tapestry, as there is only one other shop doing that.”
Beryl about Sense International Kenya’s micro-entrepreneurship programme
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