Next Step Foundation

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Next Step Foundation

Transforming Lives. AI for Social Good.

03/06/2026

Big news from the Global Data Festival 2026! 🎉
Today, we officially launched two landmark initiatives designed to close the disability data gap in AI across Africa:
— HAIDI (Hub for AI and Disability Inclusion)
— ADDN (African Disability Data Network)
The launch took place during our panel discussion, "The Disability Data Desert: Who Is Missing from Africa's AI Systems?", where we explored a critical challenge: millions of people with disabilities remain underrepresented in the data that powers AI systems influencing education, healthcare, employment, and public services across the continent.

HAIDI is Africa's first continent-wide platform bringing together disability communities, researchers, innovators, policymakers, and practitioners to advance inclusive AI. The initiative is built around three pillars: Disability-centred data systems, Inclusive AI innovation and Ethical AI governance.

ADDN serves as the data coordination backbone, a Pan-African network that connects people and institutions to disability-related datasets while strengthening collaboration, knowledge sharing, and evidence generation across sectors.

And this is only the beginning. We also announced our first Call for Applications for inclusive AI builders across Africa. More details in the comments below. 👇

A special thank you to our panelists, Christopher Harrison, J.D., Ph.D. Bernard Chiira, Lilian D. A. Wanzare, PhD., and Ojenge Winston, PhD, for sharing their insights and expertise. Thank you as well to all the participants whose questions and contributions enriched the discussion.

This initiative is supported by International Development Research Centre (IDRC), FCDO Services, and Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D), and implemented in partnership with Next Step Foundation Responsible AI Lab | RAIL, Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust and Maseno Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence (MCAAI).

28/05/2026

Two days ago, we held the AI Masterclass at the Jacaranda Hotel. Here's what stayed with us. It has been exactly one year since the Disability Act 2025 was signed into law, and yet most organisations are still figuring out where to start.

What the room reminded us of is that the organisations making the most progress are not the ones who waited until they had everything figured out. They are the ones who took the first step with intention.

A few moments that stood out:

Hilda Amahundu from Absa Bank Kenya shared an inspiring account of their inclusion journey, how a deliberate decision to onboard PWD employees transformed their organisation from the inside out. Her advice? Don't wait. Go in prepared, intentional, and committed to the long game.

Linda Okolo from Kenya Airways gave a window into how inclusion becomes culture, not through policy alone, but through the people who champion it daily. She spoke about the remarkable work Kenya Airways staff are driving around support structures, and how that grassroots energy is quietly reshaping what an inclusive organisation looks like from the inside.

Jefferson Moi from Absa Bank Kenya shared his lived experience as a Person with a Disability, the real challenges, and the innovations he is driving, including automation that is changing how inclusion works in practice.

Terersia Mbugua from KRA brought clarity on what compliance actually looks like from a regulatory perspective and what organisations need to do to be on the right side of it.

The common thread across every conversation? Don't wait to be perfectly prepared. Start, learn, and adjust.

Thank you to every speaker, partner, and participant who made the room what it was.

20/05/2026

We are seeking a Sign Language Interpreter for our Nairobi and Kisumu Hubs to ensure our training environment is fully accessible and inclusive, allowing every participant to engage meaningfully with our digital learning programs.

If you are a proactive professional with experience in KSL interpretation, accessibility, and inclusive programming, we would like to hear from you. You will play a vital role in bridging communication gaps and supporting our participants as they acquire the tools they need to thrive in the digital economy.

How to contribute to this mission: 👉 View the full JD and apply here:
https://nextstepfdn.org/career/the-sign-language-interpreter/

30/04/2026

Skills training is often seen as the key to opportunity, but skills alone are not enough. Confidence, mental resilience, and psychosocial support play an equally critical role in determining whether someone can transition into meaningful employment and thrive.

In 2025, our Upili program expanded to bridge this gap by providing structured, evidence-based mental health support for students with disabilities. Through counseling frameworks, peer support, and digital innovation, including the development of an AI-powered mental health chatbot, we are addressing an often-overlooked gap. Learn more in our 2025 report: https://bit.ly/4n4cHsP

22/04/2026

We were honored to have our team including our board member, Asiya Mohamed, represent the Next Step Foundation at Ottobock Kenya’s 'Walk Beyond Limitation.' Joining forces with legendary Kenyan marathoner Henry Wanyoike, this event highlighted the necessity of championing accessibility and dignity for all people, regardless of their unique physical journeys.

We remain committed to supporting platforms that break down barriers to participation.

21/04/2026

We are seeking a Sign Language Interpreter for our Nakuru Hub to ensure our training environment is fully accessible and inclusive, allowing every participant to engage meaningfully with our digital learning programs.

If you are a proactive professional with experience in KSL interpretation, accessibility, and inclusive programming, we would like to hear from you. You will play a vital role in bridging communication gaps and supporting our participants as they acquire the tools they need to thrive in the digital economy.

How to contribute to this mission: 👉 View the full JD and apply here: https://nextstepfdn.org/career/the-sign-language-interpreter/

13/04/2026

We are seeking Core Skills (Job Readiness) Trainers for our Kisumu and Kilifi Hubs to equip our participants with job-readiness skills for a meaningful transition into dignified and fulfilling work.

If you are a proactive professional with experience in coaching, workforce development, and inclusive programming, we would like to hear from you. You will play a vital role in coordinating young people's skilling and digital learning initiatives directly within the region.

How to contribute to this mission: 👉 View the full JD and apply here: https://nextstepfdn.org/career/core-skills-trainer/

Applicants with HR background are highly encouraged to apply for this role!

08/04/2026

The Next Step Foundation 2024 Annual Report!

In 2025, we advanced our mission to economically empower Persons with Disabilities, women and, young people in Africa. We expanded our training initiatives, addressing the digital divide with purpose.

Discover how we are bridging accessibility gaps and creating pathways to employment for a more inclusive digital future.

Read more: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/next-step-foundation-2025-annual-report-scaling-inclusive-vurcf/?trackingId=Q0Bvjq2NT46oPXw3UI8ACA%3D%3D

01/04/2026

In our work across Africa, it’s clear that while the digital economy is expanding, the reach to young people with disabilities has not kept pace. This gap continues to lock out young people with the potential to learn, work, and contribute, simply because they are not being reached.

At Next Step Foundation, we are working to close that gap by connecting young people to skills and pathways that would otherwise remain out of reach.

19/03/2026

We are seeking Core Skills (Job Readiness) Trainers for our Nairobi, Nakuru, and Embu Hubs to equip our participants with job-readiness skills for a meaningful transition into dignified and fulfilling work.

If you are a proactive professional with experience in coaching, workforce development, and inclusive programming, we would like to hear from you. You will play a vital role in coordinating young people's skilling and digital learning initiatives directly within the region.

How to contribute to this mission: 👉 View the full JD and apply here:
https://nextstepfdn.org/career/core-skills-trainer/

Women and Persons with Disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply!

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https://nextstepfdn.org/

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