Buuri: Ipsos Africa, in collaboration with the Dorcas Society and Njeri Maria Foundation, has released a detailed research report focusing on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to Cerebral Palsy in Buuri Constituency. The report, which has taken two years of research, highlights significant gaps in awareness, healthcare access, caregiver support, and social inclusion for those affected by the condition.
According to Kenya News Agency, Doris Mugambi, founder of the Dorcas Society, expressed the organization’s dedication to enhancing the lives of vulnerable children through sustainable community interventions. The report, titled ‘Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Study on Cerebral Palsy in Buuri Constituency,’ is a culmination of qualitative and quantitative studies conducted in 2024 and 2026.
Through its Eagle’s Wings program, the society offers therapy, rehabilitation, caregiver support, and advocacy for children living with Cerebral Palsy. Since 2023, in collaboration with the Njeri Maria Foundation, the Dorcas Society has organized 24 therapy camps, benefiting over 130 children with Cerebral Palsy in Buuri Constituency.
The research findings are expected to provide critical evidence to enhance early diagnosis, rehabilitation services, referral systems, and multidisciplinary care, while also informing policy and promoting disability-inclusive healthcare. Buuri Member of Parliament, Mugambi Rindikiiri, emphasized that the report marks a pivotal step towards addressing the needs of children with special needs in the constituency.
Rindikiiri noted that development should encompass social transformation and the well-being of vulnerable community members, not just infrastructure. He pledged to follow up on the report’s recommendations and raise the issue with President William Ruto, urging local residents to identify and support children with special needs.
Ipsos Kenya’s Managing Director, Chris Githaiga, acknowledged the contributions of caregivers, families, healthcare providers, and community members who participated in the research. He also praised the Dorcas Society for organizing therapy camps and creating support systems for children with Cerebral Palsy.
The study observed a notable improvement in Cerebral Palsy awareness between 2024 and 2026. While caregivers in 2024 often attributed the condition to non-scientific causes, awareness rose significantly by 2026. However, knowledge of medical causes remains limited, with a portion of respondents still holding onto non-medical explanations.
The report recommends providing culturally appropriate and medically accurate information in local languages and prioritizing social media as a primary source of information. It also suggests establishing mobile clinics and outreach services to improve access to specialized care.
The study highlighted gender imbalances in caregiving responsibilities, with women predominantly seen as responsible for domestic and caregiving duties. Recommendations include expanding caregiver support groups and economic empowerment programs.
While attitudes towards the rights of people with Cerebral Palsy have improved, stigma and exclusion remain issues. The report calls for targeted anti-stigma interventions and highlights the need for increased government support and coordination among stakeholders to enhance services and resources for people living with Cerebral Palsy.
The report also noted limitations in establishing a scientifically defensible prevalence rate of Cerebral Palsy in Buuri, recommending a dedicated randomised household study to accurately determine prevalence among children aged 0-18 years.
