The Ministry of Education (MoE) has officially directed all schools and education offices in Kenya to discontinue the use of the term “School for the Mentally Handicapped” and instead adopt the phrase “School for Learners with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.”
In a circular dated October 7, 2025, Principal Secretary Amb. Prof. Julius K. Bitok said the move is part of ongoing reforms to ensure the language used in schools upholds dignity, respect, and inclusivity for persons with disabilities.
“Language shapes perception. The words we use can either uplift or demean,” said Prof. Bitok. “This change reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that learners with disabilities are treated with respect and accorded the dignity they deserve.”
The circular, issued from Jogoo House ‘B’, cites Article 54(1)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya and the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, both of which safeguard persons with disabilities from derogatory or demeaning references.
It further oiints out that“Mentally handicapped” is outdated and inconsistent with Kenya’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), ratified in 2008.
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MoE further added that the new terminology goes in hand with the Sector Policy for Learners and Trainees with Disabilities (2018), which recognises a range of disabilities, including physical impairments, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and autism.
Schools are expected to begin sensitisation campaigns among staff, parents, and learners on respectful, person-first language.
Institutions have until June 30, 2026, to fully update all signage, school records, and official materials to reflect the new terminology. County and sub-county education officers have been tasked with ensuring that the directive is implemented, communicated, and monitored across all learning institutions.
The Ministry emphasised that schools must conduct regular awareness sessions to reinforce inclusive
Ensure effective communication and full integration of learners with disabilities within the education system.
Copies of the circular have also been sent to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), and the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) to support harmonised implementation across the sector.
By Joseph Mambili
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