Head of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Disability Rights in the Executive Office of the President, Dr Isaac Mwaura, has called for the strengthening of Kenya Institute of Special Education capacity to develop, manufacture, repair and maintain assistive devices and specialised teaching materials locally.

While accompanied by Principal Secretary, State Department of Basic Education, John Olutuaa and KISE’s Director Dr Norman Kiogora, Mwaura called for increased investment in assistive technology, local manufacturing and accessible digital services to improve the participation of persons with disabilities in education, employment and public life.

Speaking during the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) 2026 Conference in Nairobi, held under the theme “Advancing Disability Inclusion through Assistive Technology and Innovation,” he identified stigma and negative societal attitudes as major obstacles to disability inclusion.

Technology Key to Inclusive Education

Mwaura also urged education stakeholders to adopt Universal Design for Learning (UDL), an approach that promotes flexible teaching methods and learning materials to accommodate learners with different abilities and needs.

He proposed a Digital Inclusion Charter for Kenya and called on technology companies to involve persons with disabilities from the earliest stages of designing digital products and services.

Mwaura further raised concern over cyberbullying and online discrimination targeting persons with disabilities, urging stronger safeguards to ensure technology empowers users rather than exposing them to new forms of exclusion.

Concerns Over Disability Data

Mwaura also cited a World Health Organization and UNICEF global report estimating that more than 2.5 billion people worldwide require at least one assistive product, while nearly one billion lack access.

He said the figures demonstrated the need for governments to strengthen systems that identify people requiring assistive products and ensure that support reaches those who need it.

Passaris Calls for More Specialised Institutions

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, who also addressed the conference, urged stakeholders to ensure that discussions on disability inclusion result in practical solutions that improve the lives of affected individuals and their families.

Passaris called for the establishment of more specialised education facilities across the country to reduce the burden on families who must travel long distances to access services for children with disabilities.

She also proposed housing facilities and dedicated transport services near KISE to support families whose children require specialised and long-term care.

The legislator emphasised that assistive devices should be affordable, properly fitted and repairable locally. She said communities also needed trained technicians capable of maintaining equipment to prevent breakdowns from disrupting learning and livelihoods.

Passaris pledged to examine budgetary allocations for KISE’s proposed assistive device factory after the institution sought Sh600 million to operationalise the facility.

Meanwhile, Principal Secretary for Basic Education John Olutuaa, spoke about the developing Ebola situation on the sidelines of the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) 2026 conference, where he discussed preparations for national examinations and efforts to improve inclusion of learners with disabilities.

Olutuaa, Passaris and Kiogora said the Government was monitoring the situation closely and that the Ministry of Health remained the lead agency in handling matters relating to Ebola surveillance, isolation, testing and response.

They urged parents, teachers and learners not to panic, saying the education system would continue operating while the relevant health authorities dealt with any emerging public health concerns.

“Preparations for the national exams are going on very well,” Olutuaa said, noting that the Government had already put systems in place for the administration of the examinations.

He said education officials were being briefed at sub-county level as part of preparations to ensure the examinations proceed smoothly.

“The Ministry of Health is totally in charge to ensure that any issues that are reported that may need expertise, that may need close monitoring will obviously be done through the Ministry of Health and all other related agencies,” he said.

The PS called on parents and teachers to continue preparing learners for the national assessments and examinations, while encouraging students to concentrate on revision.

“I want to call upon the children as they prepare for the national assessment and the national exams, let them revise, let them be ready. And I am very sure they will do very well,” he said.

Olutuaa said the Government was committed to ensuring learners with disabilities receive the support necessary to participate fully in education.

He said KISE has a central role in coordinating efforts aimed at improving special-needs education in collaboration with the Department of Special Needs Education and other stakeholders.

The PS commended KISE Chief Executive Officer Dr. Norman and the institution’s council for their work in developing the facility and advancing assistive technology.

He said local production of assistive devices would strengthen the country’s ability to meet the needs of learners with disabilities.

The conference brought together parents, learners, development partners, Ministry of Education officials and other stakeholders to examine progress made in promoting inclusive education