Daniel Mbugua Chege spent his fellowship at the University of Minnesota Institute for Community Integration.

Daniel Chege believes in persistence when pursuing disability equality. Based in Kiambu County, Kenya, Daniel works as the Vice Chairperson of Murera Persons with Disability Welfare Association, a community- based organization (CBO) that is committed to enabling its PWD members to achieve productivity and self- reliance in the local economy. As Vice Chairperson, he is the key liaison between the organization and the outside world. A major accomplishment in his tenure has been the registration of one hundred percent of the organization’s members with the National Council for People with Disabilities in Kenya, which advises disability policy reforms and helps coordinate service provision. Daniel holds a Bachelors of Science in Population Health with a special interest in Needs Assessment and Community Diagnosis. He has previously worked the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, the Self- Reliance Development Corporation and Leeds Solutions.

Daniel at the University of Minnesota Institute for Community Integration.

Daniel’s Fellowship follow on project involved the creation of a Business Hub for individuals with disabilities in Kenya, starting in Kiambu County. The project sought to create a coordinating center to share business models and resources that could be adapted and implemented across Kenya, inspired by the design of the AUCD network’s interconnected structure. Daniel’s business hub will be fully owned and operated by PWD. It will encompass microenterprises such as tailor shops, barber shops, salons, welding, and small markets with a strong emphasis on mentorship among PWD.