Integrate schools to allow children with disabilities to start early interactions with the general public

The Kenya Kwanza government promised to integrate schools to allow children with disabilities to start interacting with the general public at an early age to restore confidence and self-esteem.

• The Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, represents a major step forward, establishing a legal and moral obligation for inclusion, mandating accessibility, promoting inclusive education, and strengthening the National Council for Persons with Disabilities. Partnerships and targeted teacher training programs, including for special needs education (SNE) teachers by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), are also underway.
• Challenges remain significant, particularly concerning the gap between policy and practice. Insufficient funding at both national and county levels, particularly for retrofitting infrastructure and providing assistive devices, leaves many schools physically inaccessible. Widespread attitudinal barriers, social stigma, and teacher unpreparedness continue to impede effective integration.