Sponsorship programme for special needs learners launched

Nominated Senator Crystal Asige and Education CS Julius Migos Ogamba during the launch of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Foundation scholarship programme, dubbed 'Inuka',on 7th April 2025, that aims to support secondary and tertiary scholarships for students with disabilities. [Edward Kiplimo,Standard]

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has unveiled an education sponsorship programme to support children with disabilities in secondary education.

Dubbed INUKA, the programme aims to bridge the persistent inequality in education access for learners with special needs.

Under the program, two bright and needy students with disabilities from each of Kenya's 47 counties will receive full secondary school sponsorship annually.

The support covers tuition fees, school uniforms, assistive learning devices, and mentorship - resources critical to helping these learners integrate into the broader workforce and society.

"Despite the challenges, the Government remains committed to ensuring that no child is left behind. Initiatives such as INUKA are crucial to bridging these gaps and exemplifying the power of collective action," said Ogamba.

Speaking at the launch ceremony held at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) the CS said the program has already benefited more than 745 scholars at a cumulative cost of over Sh120 million.

KPC Foundation has committed Sh41 million annually and Sh160 million over four years to support this effort. The first cohort of 25 students has already begun their journey.

Ogamba emphasized the urgency behind such efforts, referencing the 2018 National Survey on Children with Disabilities and Special Needs in Education.

The study revealed that 11.4 percent of children aged 3-21 in Kenya live with disabilities, amounting to over 2.4 million young people.

Many of these learners face barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, untrained teachers, and widespread stigma-factors that contribute to low enrolment and high dropout rates.

"Provision of scholarships is the best way to ensure that needy and vulnerable children in our society access education. It is in line with the Ministry's 'Leave No One Behind' mantra," Ogamba stated.

The CS noted that as Kenya grapples with the challenge of ensuring equitable education for all, the initiative stands out as a timely and transformative model.

"When we invest in education and skills development of marginalized groups, we unlock their potential and pave the way for them to live meaningful, productive lives of dignity," CS Ogamba stated.

He also announced that his ministry will conduct a national audit of learning institutions to assess compliance with disability inclusion standards.

The KPC Foundation Board Chairperson, Faith Bett Boinett, pointed the harsh realities facing students with Special Needs.

"Thousands of students are forced to share the limited resources available. The situation is particularly dire for students with disability who require additional support to integrate into the education system," said Bett.

She said through program, the Foundation is not only facilitating secondary school education but also opening doors to higher education.

KPC Managing Director Joe Sang reinforced the Foundation's long-term vision:

"We remain steadfast in our endeavor to ensure that irrespective of their disabilities and financial limitations, children stand an equal opportunity to quality education for self-reliance and transformation."

To further support student success, KPC has also launched an annual mentorship program targeting 370 students.

The initiative will focus on academic performance, retention, and career preparedness, building a pipeline of empowered young people ready to enter and impact the workforce.