Kapenguria: Poverty and stigma are significant barriers preventing children with disabilities in West Pokot County from accessing education, with some parents reportedly opting to keep them at home or send them to herd livestock instead of facilitating their education opportunities.
According to Kenya News Agency, these concerns were highlighted during a visit to Keringet School for the Hearing Impaired in Kapenguria Constituency. During the visit, learners received essential supplies such as mattresses, beds, clothes, bags, and food. Kapenguria Member of Parliament, Samuel Moroto, emphasized the need for equal educational opportunities for children with disabilities, asserting that disability should not be a barrier to education or personal development.
Moroto pledged his commitment to supporting special schools within the constituency and advocating for resources to enhance the welfare of learners with disabilities. He also announced plans to use the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to construct a main gate and perimeter fence at the school to ensure the safety of learners with hearing impairments.
The school faces challenges such as inadequate facilities, limited funding, a lack of specialized teachers, and insufficient accommodation. The Children’s Department contributed 20 mattresses, furniture, and hygiene supplies to aid the school’s efforts. Charles Kimayo, the headteacher, pointed out that poverty is a major obstacle preventing disabled children from accessing education. He explained that some parents, particularly those struggling financially, view these children as unable to contribute to the family, thus keeping them at home.
Kimayo noted the need for a collective response from communities and institutions to address these challenges, as the school often follows up with parents when learners are withdrawn. Despite these difficulties, the learners have shown that their disabilities do not limit their talents, excelling in music, traditional folk songs, sports, and other activities.
The school has gained recognition beyond the county, representing Kenya at the East African level in traditional folk-song performances. Currently, two learners are participating in sports competitions in Morogoro, Tanzania, while others have excelled in national music competitions.
Kimayo appealed for the establishment of a senior school section at Keringet to allow learners to continue their education locally. He also called for additional infrastructure and specialized teachers, as the school currently has only 13 teachers for its needs.
Saimon Kakuko, a school representative, urged well-wishers to sponsor learners from vulnerable families, noting that an annual contribution of approximately Sh15,000 per child could make a significant difference. He also praised Moroto for supporting the school’s sports programs.
Amina Soita, a parent, shared how the assistance has relieved the burden on families struggling to meet their children’s basic needs. The support, she noted, extends beyond material help, reminding parents that their children can learn, compete, and build meaningful futures when given the right environment.
Community leaders and stakeholders emphasized the need to challenge misconceptions surrounding disabilities and ensure that no child is hidden due to poverty, stigma, or fear. They highlighted the importance of providing food, clothing, learning materials, and improving school infrastructure to create an environment where children with disabilities can thrive and contribute to society.
