Poverty, stigma keep children with disabilities out of school
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Poverty and stigma are keeping some children living with disabilities in West Pokot County away from classrooms, with some parents reportedly hiding them at home or sending them out to herd livestock instead of giving them an opportunity to pursue education.
The situation has renewed calls for concerted efforts by the government, parents, churches, development partners, and well-wishers to ensure that children with disabilities are supported to attend school and develop their abilities.
The concerns emerged during a visit to Keringet School for the Hearing Impaired in Kapenguria Constituency, where learners received mattresses, beds, clothes, bags, food, and other essential supplies.
Kapenguria Member of Parliament Samuel Moroto said children living with disabilities deserved the same opportunities as other children, noting that disability should never be treated as a reason to deny a child education or a chance to realise their potential.
“I remain fully committed to supporting Keringet School for the Deaf and other special schools in our constituency and beyond. Every child deserves an opportunity to learn, grow, and realise their full potential,” Moroto said.
He said his office would continue lobbying for additional resources to improve the welfare of learners with disabilities.
“We do not want to lose even one of these learners. We want all of them to complete their education successfully,” he said.
Moroto also pledged support for the construction of a main gate and perimeter fence around the school through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), saying the facility would improve the safety of learners who may leave the compound unnoticed because of their hearing impairment.
The support came as the school grapples with challenges including inadequate facilities, limited funding, a shortage of specialised teachers, and insufficient accommodation.
The Children’s Department donated 20 mattresses, furniture, food, and hygiene supplies, including rice, beans, maize, cooking oil, sanitary towels, and bathing materials.
School headteacher Charles Kimayo said poverty remained one of the biggest barriers preventing children with disabilities from accessing education.
He said some parents, particularly those struggling to provide food and other basic necessities, viewed children with disabilities as incapable of contributing to the family and consequently kept them at home.
“Some parents see their children as if they are not useful. But when these children are supported and given opportunities, they can become useful members of society,” Kimayo said.
He said the school regularly had to follow up with parents when learners were withdrawn, adding that the challenge required a collective response from communities and institutions.
Despite the difficulties, Kimayo said the learners had continued to demonstrate that disability does not limit talent.
The school has excelled in music, traditional folk songs, sports, and other talent activities. Its traditional folk-song performances have earned recognition beyond the county, with the school representing Kenya at the East African level.
Two learners are currently participating in sports competitions in Morogoro, Tanzania, while others have performed strongly in national music competitions, including recent contests held in Bungoma County.
Kimayo appealed for the establishment of a senior school section at Keringet to allow learners to continue their education closer to home rather than travelling to institutions in Kakamega, Bungoma, Litein, and Kapsabet.
He also called for a perimeter fence, additional classrooms, teachers’ houses, and more specialised teachers. The school currently has 13 teachers but continues to experience a shortage of specialised staff.
Saimon Kakuko, a school representative, urged well-wishers to sponsor learners from vulnerable families, saying an annual contribution of about Sh15,000 per child could help keep some learners in school.
He also commended Moroto for supporting the school’s sports programme, including providing transport for learners attending competitions.
Amina Soita, a parent of a Grade Seven learner, said the assistance had eased the burden on families already struggling to meet the basic needs of their children.
For parents of children with disabilities, the support goes beyond material assistance. It offers a reminder that their children can learn, compete, perform, and build meaningful futures when given the right environment.
The speakers urged communities to challenge misconceptions surrounding disability and ensure that no child is hidden at home because of poverty, stigma, or fear.
They said providing food, clothing, and learning materials; improving school infrastructure; and increasing access to specialised teachers would help create an environment where children with disabilities can remain in school, discover their talents, and contribute meaningfully to society.
By Parklea Ivor
Reporting originally appeared via Kenya News Agency. Read the full source for additional context.