A passionate plea has been made by Ms Kagendo Riungu, a teacher at Muthambi Primary School for physically challenged children, calling on well-wishers and the government to urgently support the institution.
The school is struggling to care for some of the county’s most vulnerable learners.
Speaking during a visit by a team of well-wishers from the Kimacho Group of Toyota Sienta taxi operators, Ms Riungu said some of the challenges included lack of clean water storage, an overcrowded dormitory, and an overwhelming financial burden on parents who could not afford school fees.
“These are children with special needs—some cannot bathe or eat on their own. Yet parents are unable to pay school fees, and we cannot send these children home. We only have two mothers taking care of all these children, and the load is too heavy,” said Ms Riungu.
She appealed to members of the public, non-governmental organisations, and the county government to come forward and help improve the lives of the children.
Riungu also recalled a dialysis screening held last term, where new children living with disabilities were brought to the school for the first time.
She used the moment to urge parents not to hide children with such disabilities. “Disability is not inability. Parents should not be ashamed. Let them bring these children forward so that they can be supported,” she said.
She further decried the lack of rehabilitation services for physically challenged children in Tharaka Nithi County.
“We tried to book rehabilitation slots in Meru for some severely challenged children, but we were told the facility is full. Since then, the children have been stuck at home,” she said.
“There is not a single rehabilitation centre for children in this county. The county government must act. These children deserve a life,” she added, noting that the visit by the Group offered a glimmer of hope.
Group Chairman Jacob Munene said the team felt the need to support vulnerable learners after a similar outreach to Kairuni Primary school for physically challenged children.
“As Sienta operators, we believe in giving back. Muthambi was our next stop, and we’re calling on more Kenyans to join hands and uplift these children,” he said.
Munene, a respected businessman in the County, started the Kimacho Group as a welfare initiative to empower Sienta operators and their families.
Under his leadership, the group has grown into a community-driven team that not only supports its members but also gives back to society through school visits, mentorship, and donations to the less fortunate.
“Our mission is simple—impact lives where we can. These children matter. If each of us does a little, together we can do a lot,” Munene added.
By Dickson Mwiti and Christine Ngitori
