Head of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Disability Rights in the Executive Office of the President Isaac Mwaura speaking during an inaugural stakeholders’ meeting on diversity, inclusion and disability rights at the Kenya Institute of Special Education on September 17, 2026/ HANDOUT
The government is prioritising persons with disabilities in resource allocation as it moves to establish a comprehensive picture of special needs education facilities and assistive devices across the country.
Head of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Disability Rights in the Executive Office of the President Isaac Mwaura said resources should be allocated with the needs of different categories of beneficiaries in mind to ensure persons with disabilities receive the support intended for them.
Mwaura spoke during an inaugural stakeholders’ meeting on diversity, inclusion and disability rights at the Kenya Institute of Special Education on Thursday.
He said stakeholders in the disability sector also have a responsibility to ensure resources reach the intended beneficiaries and are properly utilised.
The remarks came as the Kenya Institute of Special Education conducts a nationwide assessment of institutions serving learners with disabilities, including geotagging institutions and assistive devices.
KISE Director Norman Kiogora said the exercise will establish the location and condition of facilities, equipment and services available to learners with disabilities across the country.
He said the assessment covers infrastructure, accessibility, learning facilities, assistive devices and human resources.
Kiogora said geotagging institutions and assistive devices will help establish where specialised education services are available and identify areas with gaps.
The exercise will also help establish the lifespan and condition of assistive devices, including white canes, providing information on where equipment may need replacement or additional support.
Kiogora said the data will give the government and stakeholders a clearer basis for determining where additional classrooms, equipment, personnel and accessibility improvements are required.
Head of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Disability Rights in the Executive Office of the President Isaac Mwaura and stakeholders pose for a photo during an inaugural stakeholders’ meeting on diversity, inclusion and disability rights at the Kenya Institute of Special Education on September 17, 2026/HANDOUT
He said the exercise would also expose disparities in access to specialised education between different regions.
For families of learners with disabilities, Kiogora said, the location and quality of specialised services can determine how easily children access education, with some families travelling long distances to find suitable institutions and support.
Mwaura also called for greater political participation by persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups, saying inclusion should extend beyond voting to participation in political parties, leadership, public debate and policy development.
He said practical barriers, including access to information, public meetings and electoral processes, should be addressed to enable persons with disabilities to participate fully.
Secretary Administration in the Executive Office of the President Peter Mbugi, representing the Head of Public Service, said inclusion was directly linked to national unity and should be reflected in government programmes and public services.
“When citizens see themselves reflected in public institutions and can access services without unnecessary barriers, their sense of belonging is strengthened,” Mbugi said.
Mbugi said persons with disabilities and other historically excluded groups should have opportunities to participate in national development rather than being viewed mainly as recipients of government support.
The meeting brought together government officials, employers, civil society, development partners, disability organisations and private sector representatives to discuss inclusion, disability rights, democracy and development.
