Innovative Healthcare Technology Collaboration Aims to Transform Mental Health Access for Youth with Disabilities
In a recent announcement, originally shared on May 29, 2025, Next Step Foundation unveiled a strategic partnership with 26bitz, a leading healthcare-focused software development company, to expand Tumaini, an AI-powered mental health support platform initially designed for Youth with Disabilities in Kenya’s special schools.
Tumaini, which means “hope” in Swahili, will leverage 26bitz’s expertise in secure healthcare applications and AI-driven mental health software to enhance the platform’s capabilities, enabling young people to engage directly with visualizations of their future selves while providing critical mental health support in scenarios where users might otherwise be isolated.
“Our collaboration with 26bitz represents a significant evolution in our mission to transform awareness into intentional action,” said Peres Were, Executive Director of Next Step Foundation. “Tumaini goes beyond traditional mental health support by shifting awareness into deliberately planned action. We’ve long understood the unique challenges facing Youth with Disabilities, from stigma to limited resources, yet we recognize that understanding alone does not create change.”
The partnership builds on the demonstrated success of Next Step Foundation’s previous initiative, Upili, which has reduced anxiety by 82% among participants. By combining Next Step Foundation’s innovative approach to mental health challenges with 26bitz’s technological expertise, Tumaini will expand its reach while maintaining its core mission of supporting those who need it most.
“At 26bitz, we believe technology should elevate, not complicate healthcare delivery,” said Andrey, CEO of 26bitz. “Working with Next Step Foundation on Tumaini embodies our core values of empathy and collaboration. A recent Tumaini focus group reinforced that participants don’t only appreciate having access to support; they appreciate that Tumaini offers care rooted in their language, culture, and local context.”
Key features of the enhanced Tumaini platform will include:
- AI-powered visualizations enabling users to engage with their future selves
- Targeted support for Youth with Disabilities facing unique challenges
- Tools for converting awareness into intentional action
- Culturally relevant content designed specifically for users in Kenya and beyond
- Robust privacy protections and accessibility features
The expanded Tumaini platform will initially launch in additional schools across Kenya in July 2025, with plans for broader implementation in neighboring countries by the end of the year. The development team is working closely with mental health professionals and disability advocates to ensure the platform continues to meet the unique needs of its users.
“Every line of code we write for Tumaini is driven by our desire to create positive change in the lives of those who need it most,” added the 26bitz project lead. “This isn’t just software, this chatbot blends AI-driven personalization with locally informed design. By embedding mental health support into the digital spaces Youth with Disabilities already navigate, we’re not only increasing access. We’re also transforming how support is delivered and making it culturally relevant, language-aware, and responsive to real community needs.”
About Next Step Foundation’s Upili program:
Next Step Foundation’s Upili program is committed to innovative mental health solutions for underserved populations. With a proven track record of success through platforms like Upili, which has reduced anxiety by 82% among participants, Upili develops targeted mental health interventions where they’re needed most. The organization focuses particularly on Youth with Disabilities, creating solutions that address their unique challenges while empowering them to visualize and work toward positive futures.
About 26bitz
26bitz is a software development company that delivers secure, innovative digital solutions across the healthcare ecosystem, including medical, pharmaceutical, biotech, mental health, wellness, and veterinary industries.. Specializing in custom healthcare applications, telemedicine platforms, EHR/EMR integrations, and AI-driven medical software, 26bitz ensures compliance with industry standards like HIPAA and GDPR. With a deep understanding of healthcare challenges, 26bitz helps medical providers, startups, and enterprises streamline operations, enhance patient care, and drive digital transformation. The company’s philosophy focuses on empowering healthcare professionals with tools that simplify their work and improve outcomes. It stays committed to creating solutions that have a lasting, positive impact on people’s lives.
Media Contact: Bethsalel Wauna, Communications Lead, NSF: bethsalel.wauna@nextstepfdn.org
