Kirinyaga County Assembly has approved a resolution compelling all County-run Early Childhood Development Education Centres (ECDEs) and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) to strengthen support services for learners living with disabilities.
The motion, tabled during a plenary session, sought to address long-standing gaps in infrastructure, staffing, and community sensitization affecting access to education for children and youth with special needs.
An MCA who represents persons with disabilities, Mr Harrison Kariuki anchored the debate on Article 54 of the Constitution, which guarantees access to educational institutions for persons with disabilities.
He urged the County Executive to prioritize disability-friendly infrastructure, including ramps, adapted learning materials and appropriate classroom facilities.
Kariuki also raised concerns over the shortage of teachers trained in special needs education across ECDEs and VTCs and emphasized the need for increased investment in capacity building and community outreach to promote awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities.
Murinduko Ward MCA Charles Nyamu called on the County to explore ways of supporting disadvantaged learners through financial aid, noting that many specialized institutions remain unaffordable for low-income families.
His sentiments were echoed by Caroline Wanjiku of Karumandi Ward, who encouraged parents to stop hiding children with disabilities, stressing, “Disability is not inability.”
Kerugoya Ward MCA Eric Muchina reminded the House that “no child chooses to be born with a disability,” emphasizing the county’s moral duty to ensure equal opportunities.
Beyond education, the Health Committee Chair Bernard Gichangi highlighted challenges faced by residents with hearing impairments in accessing healthcare services. He proposed the hiring of sign language–trained medical staff to bridge communication gaps in health facilities.
Following the debate, the Assembly directed the County Executive Committee Member for Education to formulate a comprehensive policy on integrating learners with disabilities into County institutions within 60 days.
The Executive was further urged to allocate resources toward improving accessibility, training staff, and expanding community sensitization programs.
By Mutai Kipng’etich
