Pressure mounts on Govt to equip special schools in Kericho

Pressure is mounting on the government to fully equip special schools in Kericho County amid growing concerns over inadequate facilities and resources for learners with disabilities.

Rights champion Naomi Langat has raised alarm over the poor state of many institutions, saying the situation is worrying and continues to disadvantage children living with disabilities.

Speaking in Kericho town, Langat said many special schools lack essential learning equipment, forcing some learners from the county to seek education in other regions.

“This situation has forced many parents to take their children to institutions outside the county because local schools are not adequately equipped,” she said. “The cost of relocating learners is high and many families simply cannot afford it.”

Langat also expressed concern over the shortage of classrooms in special schools, noting that the existing infrastructure does not match the growing number of learners with disabilities.

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She further called for the acquisition of assessment machines within the county, saying the lack of the equipment has forced persons with disabilities (PWDs) to travel long distances for assessment services.

“Many people are forced to travel as far as Nairobi to access assessment services, which should ideally be available within the county,” she said.

According to Langat, the cost of disability assessment currently stands at Ksh6,000, a fee she says has locked out many people who cannot afford it, preventing them from obtaining PWD identification cards.

“The assessment fee is too high for many families. As a result, a large number of persons with disabilities remain without PWD cards as they cannot raise the required amount,” she added.

Langat urged the county government, through the Department of Health, to ease the assessment process and prioritize the rights and welfare of special children.

“The rights of these children must be given priority. The county government should intervene to make the process accessible and affordable,” she said.

On his part, Vicky Bett decried the lack of special Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres in the region.

He also cited shortages of learning materials, disability-friendly chairs and toilets, as well as the absence of school feeding programmes in many special institutions.

Bett called on both the national and county governments to urgently address the challenges affecting learners with disabilities to ensure they access quality and inclusive education.

By Kimutai Langat