Education Committee Calls on Ministry to Dins Special Needs Schools

Legislators have challenged the State Department of Basic Education to address the plight faced by children with special needs in our education centres.

This emerged Dr. Belio Kipsang, PS State Department of Basic Education, appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Education chaired by Hon. Julius Melly to present their submissions for the 2024 Budget Policy Statements (BPS).

As the PS laid his submission before the Committee, it emerged that special needs programmes had not been allocated the requisite funding despite children living with challenges lacking the tools and infrastructure to support their academic development.

“What is the infrastructure set up for special needs students? When I look at your plans, I do not see anything in consideration of our children with special needs” stated Hon Nabii Nabwera (Lugari).
The Committee Chair, Hon Melly asked “Have you taken time to go around to see the state of these institutions that are meant to educate persons with disability? Because some of these institutions are in dire state.”

Nyamira County MP, Hon. Jerusha Momanyi on her part asked for inclusivity for the persons with disability.

“We need to top up the capitation to special needs children and offer inclusivity. These children should not be secluded or feel left behind. We need to integrate them with society and prepare them for life beyond school.” She stated.

The Committee Members were also concerned with the challenges being experienced with the Early Child Development (ECD) curriculum. Hon. Timothy Kipchumba (Marakwet West) interrogated the Ministry on the failure by the Ministry to enact policies that would support the integration of ECD.

“Despite ECD being devolved, section 58 of the Basic Education Act of 2013, still bestows the responsibility of policy enactment on the shoulders of the ministry.” Stated Hon. Toroitich

He went on to add ” There is lack of uniformity and standardisation on how ECD is managed across the country and this needs to be addressed. ”

The Committee shall prepare a report based on the submission and appear before the budgeting and appropriation Committee to support their allocations to the Ministries, Departments and Agencies.