The vision, passion, and dedication behind Smart Sensory.
Keren Makari is the founder of Smart Sensory, a social enterprise dedicated to creating inclusive and accessible solutions for individuals with sensory and developmental needs. Passionate about improving access to sensory care, Keren works to bridge gaps faced by families, educators, and therapists by developing practical tools, supportive environments, and community-focused programs.
Through Smart Sensory, Keren is committed to empowering children and adults to thrive by making sensory support more affordable, innovative, and widely accessible.
To become Africa’s leading provider of sensory solutions, creating inclusive communities where every individual—regardless of sensory or developmental differences—has the opportunity to thrive.
"I envision a Kenya where early intervention & sensory inclusive spaces lives in every neighbourhood, affordable and locally-made."
My journey as an occupational Therapist volunteering at the Autism Unit in a major public school in Nairobi, and later, working with a community-based organisation in Mombasa, revealed the contrast between immense need and limited resources.Children lacked early diagnosis; therefore, delayed in treatment. Professionals had huge caseloads and few resources, and caregivers were burdened by constant caregiving with little/no time to generate income. Additionally, the high cost of devices was extremely draining. These experiences shaped my conviction that solutions must be affordable, accessible, locally manufactured, and culturally
resonant.
I observed that the first contact with children was pediatric nurses and community health workers, equipping them with tools to identify developmental concerns early, confidently guide caregivers, and refer appropriately was key to driving early intervention, which dramatically improves developmental trajectories.
I channeled these lessons into action, since founding Smart Sensory in 2018, we have worked with 8 institutions (healthcare, schools, community centres and churches) equipping them with sensory inclusive spaces in 2 counties, distributed 2000+ sensory kits, trained 100 teachers, and 350 caregivers reaching 3500 children. In the effort of advancing the SDG 3 (Good health and well being), SDG 4 inclusive education, SDG 5 (gender equality) and SDG 10 (reduced inequality).
