Residents of Kasipul Constituency have welcomed the upgrading of Sikri Technical and Vocational College for the Blind and Deaf to a national polytechnic, a move expected to enhance inclusive education for learners with disabilities.
College Principal Evans Oyoo said the new status will allow the institution to design its own curriculum tailored to the unique needs of its students. He noted that the current curriculum does not adequately cater for learners with disabilities, especially those with multiple conditions.
Oyoo explained that some students at the institution are deaf, blind, and speech-impaired, making it difficult for them to cope with conventional training approaches. He emphasized the need for a flexible and adaptive curriculum that considers their specific learning challenges.
“For instance, a visually impaired student cannot effectively handle linear programming in its current format. This clearly shows the need to review and adapt the curriculum to suit such learners,” he said.
He added that the institution had previously sought government approval to customize its curriculum but was unable to do so without national polytechnic status. The college later submitted a formal request to the Ministry of Education seeking elevation.
“Finally, the President approved the upgrade of this college to a national polytechnic, which now gives us the mandate to develop suitable training programmes,” Oyoo said.
He described the institution as unique due to the diverse and complex needs of its students, many of whom require multiple interventions to succeed academically and practically.
Oyoo also urged parents and guardians to enrol children with disabilities in learning institutions instead of hiding them at home due to stigma.
“These children have the potential to acquire skills and become self-reliant. They can support their families and contribute meaningfully to society if given the opportunity,” he said.
by Davis Lang’at
