Our Vision
A Kenya where every person living with Retinitis Pigmentosa lives with dignity, independence, and access to opportunity.
Patient-led platform · Kenya
A community where no one faces Retinitis Pigmentosa alone.
VARP connects, empowers and represents people living with Retinitis Pigmentosa in Kenya and the families, clinicians, researchers and partners who walk with them.
OUR PARTNERS
World HealthOrganizationKenya
IAPBPrevention of Blindness
Ministry of HealthKENYA
peekvision
orbis
The Fred HollowsFoundation
cbmchristian blind mission
Sightsavers
KSBKenya Society for the Blind
LIGHTFOR THE WORLD
World HealthOrganizationKenya
IAPBPrevention of Blindness
Ministry of HealthKENYA
peekvision
orbis
The Fred HollowsFoundation
cbmchristian blind mission
Sightsavers
KSBKenya Society for the Blind
LIGHTFOR THE WORLD
About VARP
No one should face progressive vision loss alone.
We are a patient-led platform for people living with Retinitis pigmentosa in Kenya connecting individuals and delivering practical support so no one faces the journey alone.
Founded from lived experience, our work is driven by a deep understanding of the challenges associated with progressive vision loss, including isolation, loss of independence, and limited access to support systems.
Our Mission
To connect, support, and empower people living with Retinitis Pigmentosa through community, practical interventions, and advocacy.
Dignity & Independence for every person living with RP in Kenya.
Our Work
Three pillars shaping every programme we run.
Pillar
One
Connect
Patient-to-patient peer networks, clinical bridges, and a national registry to ensure no one faces the journey alone.
- Patients ↔ patients
- Patients ↔ doctors
- Patients ↔ opportunities
- Build a national registry
Pillar
Two
Enable
Providing the essential tools and skills that empower independence — mobility, tech, education, and information.
- Access to tools & technology (white canes, screen readers, magnifiers)
- Access to education & economic opportunities
- Access to healthcare
Pillar
Three
Represent
Amplifying patient voices in policy, healthcare systems, and public discourse to ensure inclusion for all.
- Be the voice of RP in Kenya
- Engage government, donors, and partners
- Advocate for inclusion and support
Flagship Programme
Equipped with a dedicated laboratory, pharmacy, and specialized consultation rooms, WAMS Medical Centre is a model for inclusive healthcare facility ran by VARP, serving as a heartbeat of our direct interventions.
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WAMS Medical Centre
Embu County, KenyaWhere we're going
Building a future we can measure.
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National RP Registry
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Lives Touched
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Counties Reached
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Healthcare Partnerships
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Advocacy Campaigns
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Active Volunteers
Recent Highlights
Stories of change & milestones.
Featured Community Story
Wanjiru's Journey: Finding Community and Voice in Nairobi
"For the first time, I met other people walking the same road. I'm not alone anymore."
Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa in 2022, Wanjiru faced isolation, fear, and a lack of information. Today, she leads peer patient networks, sharing resources and building hope for people across Nairobi County.
Caregiver
Daniel's Perspective: A Caregiver's Story in Kisumu
Caring for a child with progressive vision loss comes with unique challenges. Daniel shares how structured resources changed his family's approach.
Clinical
Dr. Atieno on Bridging the Eye-Care Gap in Mombasa
How VARP is connecting clinicians, researchers, and patients to create seamless care registries and support in coastal Kenya.
Milestone
VARP Launches the First National RP Registry
A historic step for vision impairment in Kenya, enabling data-driven advocacy, policy updates, and research for RP patients.
Ready to make an impact?
Whether you have RP, care for someone who does, or want to support our mission, there is a place for you in our community.
Support Our Cause