CS Cheptumo calls for support for Special Needs institutions

Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children's Services Hanna Cheptumo in Parliament on April 14, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children's Services Hanna Cheptumo, has called for collective efforts to address challenges facing children with disability.

Speaking at Kabarnet School for the Deaf and Blind during a humanitarian support drive for special needs schools, the CS said poverty, insecurity, and neglect have long conspired to dim the future of children with disabilities in the country.

"We are working on a sustainable model to help special schools operate with dignity and reliability. But this can't be done by the government alone," said Cheptumo.

"We need everyone, faith-based groups, well-wishers, community elders to help restore children to loving family environments and protect them from exploitation."

The CS said the Ministry will strengthen child protection systems and create inclusive spaces, especially during emergencies like displacement or abuse.

"This is not charity, it's justice. The deprived children in this country are all our children as a society, and they need our support," she stated.

She said Baringo County battles chronic parental neglect, with 2,177 cases reported in the last year alone.

From Left, Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, Gender CS Hanna Cheptumo (Centre) and PS Children Welfare Services Caren Angego at Kabarnet School for the Deaf and Blind on July 18, 2025. [Mike Kihaki, Standard]

PS Children Welfare Services Caren Angego urged for the urgent identification of children with disabilities who are hidden at home or abandoned.

"They deserve to be seen, supported, and celebrated. Parents must step up," she said, a sentiment echoed by her Gender counterpart, Anne Wang'ombe, who said physically challenged women and girls are three times more likely to suffer gender-based violence.

"We need relatives and neighbours to speak for them when they can't, and ensure they receive love, not shame," she said.

Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi affirmed his commitment to ensure special needs learners are registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), with plans to fund income-generating projects like horticulture nurseries for long-term school sustainability.