I was born all well, but ten years ago, at the age of 14, my life took an unexpected turn. I experienced a stroke which resulted in a loss of speech and mobility functions. Over a span of two years, I fought fiercely to regain my speech, although my mobility remained compromised. I relied on a wheelchair and later transitioned to a walking aid for movement.

Upon my recovery, a burning desire to continue my education emerged. What followed, however, was a disheartening futile quest to find a suitable school that would accommodate my special needs. I encountered schools lacking essential facilities such as ramps, accessible restrooms, and inclusive teachers and students. It was a daunting task, one that should never be faced by any child with special needs.

The issue of disability inclusion in our education system is a matter that demands not just intentions but urgent attention and concrete action. As per the data provided by the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) and the Ministry of Education, approximately 11.4% of children aged between 3 and 21 years have special needs. Within this demographic, there is a significant gender and regional disparity, with a higher representation of boys and a larger portion residing in rural areas. While a notable number are enrolled in schools, there persists a distressing dropout rate.

The Constitution of Kenya 2010 unequivocally commits the government to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to relevant education and training. Article 54 of the constitution further mandates reasonable access for persons with disabilities to public places, transportation, and educational institutions. This is a solemn promise that we must uphold.

I am therefore appealing to the Ministry of education to collaborate with the 47 county governments to:

1. Establish policies that facilitate access to educational facilities for children with disabilities.
2. Launch educational campaigns to enlighten teachers and students about disability etiquette, fostering an inclusive environment.
3. Develop a system that allocates educational funding for children with disabilities based on the type and severity of the disability.
4. Ensure that the curriculum adequately caters to the needs of learners with disabilities and special educational requirements.
5. Invest in special needs education training for staff in assessment centers and schools to ensure quality service delivery.
6. Prioritize advocacy and grassroots mobilization efforts to sensitize parents and guardians to play a more active role in supporting children with disabilities in education.

We also implore the Ministry of Education to collaborate closely with the County Government of Kisumu to integrate disability inclusion in a minimum of 50 schools within Kisumu County for a start. This integration should encompass structural modifications and the implementation of relevant programs to create a truly inclusive educational landscape.

My personal journey, marked by hardship and determination, has brought me to this point. I stand here today not only as a symbol of resilience but as a voice for countless others who face similar challenges.

Together, we can achieve an inclusive school environment where children of all abilities learn together  us pave the way for a brighter future where every child, regardless of their abilities, can access quality education and fulfill their potential.