Community health worker conducting a newborn hearing screening in Kisumu County — replace with an authentic Kenyan photograph
Since our founding, we have reached thousands of children across Kenya. But numbers only tell part of the story.
By the numbers
Newborns and young children tested for hearing loss since 2022
Enrolled in our full intervention and therapy pathway
Active program presence across Kenya's full county landscape
Children enrolled before 12 months achieve age-appropriate speech
Community health workers certified to conduct OAE screening
Hearing aids and cochlear implant referrals provided, zero cost to families
Geographic reach
We have active programs in 27 counties including Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kiambu, Machakos, Uasin Gishu, and more. Our goal is nationwide coverage by 2028.
Map of Kenya showing 27 counties with active Chishlo programs — replace with detailed county-level map
Family stories
Behind every number is a child who now hears their name. Behind every percentage is a mother who heard her baby laugh. These are three of those families.
Nandi was born in Nakuru County. Her mother Grace noticed she did not startle at loud sounds. At 18 months Nandi had no words. A community health worker referred them to Chishlo. After diagnosis Nandi received a hearing aid at 26 months. Within 6 months she said her first word "mum". Today Nandi is 5 years old, attending mainstream school, and thriving.
Today: Age 5, mainstream school, thriving. First word "mum" came 6 months after fitting.
Nandi today — hearing, speaking, thriving
Age 5, Nakuru. Replace with current photograph.
James was born with profound hearing loss in Mombasa. His parents could not afford a hearing aid. Chishlo provided a device and connected the family to speech therapy. Today James is 7 years old and in a regular classroom. He loves mathematics and wants to be a pilot.
Today: Age 7, regular classroom, Mombasa. Aspires to become a pilot.
Mary was identified at birth through a Chishlo screening program at Pumwani Maternity Hospital. She received hearing aids at 5 months. Her mother attended parent coaching sessions. At age 3 Mary has age-appropriate speech and loves to sing.
Today: Age 3, age-appropriate speech, loves to sing. Identified at birth — the earliest possible intervention.
Program data
Measured, tracked, and published. These are the numbers our clinical team stands behind.
of children completed diagnostic follow-up within 3 months of initial screening — against a global benchmark of 70%
continue using devices after one year — far above the 60% global average for low-resource settings
achieve age-appropriate speech milestones — measured at 24 months post-enrollment
Growth trajectory
Chishlo started in 2 counties in 2022. By 2025 we reached 27 counties. Our goal is nationwide coverage by 2027. We train community health workers who screen babies at birth points. Each CHW can screen over 500 babies per year.
Partner voices
Chishlo's data-driven approach has shown us what is possible for childhood hearing loss in Kenya. The referral system, the digital tracking, the community reach — this is what a properly designed health intervention looks like. We are proud partners.
Dr. Mercy Korir
Director, Reproductive & Maternal Health
Ministry of Health, Kenya
The referral pathway Chishlo built has transformed how we serve families. From screening to devices to therapy, it works. Before, families waited months for a diagnosis. Now they move through in weeks.
Dr. Allan Otieno
Consultant Audiologist
Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi
I have screened over 300 babies in my village. Five needed help. They are now hearing and speaking. When I see those children, I know why I trained with Chishlo.
Fatima Hassan
Community Health Worker
Kisumu County