Laura Musimbi Musambayi

Laura Musimbi Musambayi is a medical doctor with extensive experience in medical care and patient advocacy. Besides her current clinical work at the National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital in Nairobi, Laura chairs the committee that conducts assessments for the registration of people with disabilities. Laura Musimbi Musambayi is also the founder and vice-chairperson of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Kenya. Laura uses her medical background and personal experience living with a disability, due to Multiple Sclerosis, to champion the healthcare rights of a vulnerable, often neglected cohort: people living with physical disabilities, specifically as a result of spinal cord injuries. She does this by setting up patient support groups, which aim to improve the quality of life of affected patients by creating awareness of these conditions, increasing access to quality and multi-disciplinary health services, and advocating for research in appropriate prevention and management protocols. Laura also mentors high school and medical students and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management at Strathmore Business School. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, she plans to continue practicing in a hospital, while participating in research to promote the formulation of data-driven policies for the provision of quality healthcare to people with disabilities countrywide.