The Maker Movement

Kenya faces significant challenges in ensuring that medical equipment in maternity wards and newborn units is both available and functional. After a needs assessment at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and referral clinics, nine critical medical devices were identified to be designed and built locally.

By leveraging a partnership between local university engineers from the University of Nairobi, nurses, and biomedical engineers from Kenyatta National Hospital, Maker is using a human-centered design approach within the Maker 'hub' to design, prototype, and test high-quality, low-cost medical devices. The project established a Calibration Center at KNH to check, adjust, and repair medical equipment and renovated a FabLab at the University of Nairobi where engineers work on prototypes.

Developed and clinically tested prototypes for three medical devices: an examination light, suction machine, and phototherapy machine. Established a Calibration Center at KNH for medical equipment. Renovated the FabLab at the University of Nairobi for prototype development. Engaged local stakeholders to increase support for the local manufacture of medical devices.