Nairobi:Maasai Mara University has entered into a partnership with the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) to bolster special needs education, research, and innovation for learners with disabilities through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
According to Kenya News Agency, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peninah Aloo-Obudho, emphasized the necessity for industry leaders, higher education institutions, technical and vocational education institutions, state agencies, county governments, technology firms, and development partners to prioritize the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in innovation hubs and digital transformation efforts. She warned that neglecting these measures could exacerbate existing inequalities and undermine the 2030 development agenda.
Prof. Obudho pointed out the challenges faced by PWDs in accessing digital services, education, employment, banking, and government platforms due to inaccessible technologies. She highlighted the aim of the partnership with KISE to collaborate in their special needs laboratory, helping businesses, governments, and organizations to enhance innovations by PWDs.
The Vice-Chancellor urged governments, investors, and technology companies to support PWD innovations through funding, procurement opportunities, and policy reforms. She applauded KISE’s commitment to the initiative and noted the significant opportunities for research, innovation, capacity building, and community impact presented by special needs education.
Dr. Norman Kiogora, CEO of KISE, praised Maasai Mara University for its dedication to supporting students with special needs. He encouraged further development of assistive devices and technologies and the undertaking of needs assessments to address challenges faced by learners with disabilities.
An immediate outcome of the MoU is the deployment of a KISE team to Maasai Mara University for a comprehensive needs assessment of learners with disabilities. This assessment will guide the provision of learning and assistive aids such as hearing aids, wheelchairs, crutches, and white canes. The initiative will also foster joint research, training, knowledge sharing, and development of assistive technologies to advance inclusive education.
The initiative was led by Dr. Naftali Rop, Chairperson of the Department of Special Needs and Early Childhood Education, under the guidance of the Vice-Chancellor. Prof. Aloys Osano, the University’s Deputy VC for Research, Innovation, and Outreach, remarked that the MoU signifies Maasai Mara University’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, innovation, research, and community engagement, with a focus on equitable access to quality education for learners with disabilities.
