Ministry of Education Urged to Increase Funding to Special Schools
Special needs education is in dire need of immediate attention to improve the quality of services provided to learners with disabilities. This concern was raised during a recent meeting of the Senate Committee on Education with Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu.
Committee Chairman Joe Nyutu emphasized the necessity for the government to reevaluate the financial support allocated to special needs learners. He pointed out that these funds have remained stagnant since 2018, despite inflation and an increasing number of students with special needs, which has led to significant challenges.
Murang’a Senator Nyutu also highlighted the concerning low ratio of teachers to students in special needs schools, urging for swift intervention.
Nominated Senator Peris Tobiko questioned why a proposal from the Ministry of Education to increase capitation funds for special needs institutions, dating back five years, has not been approved by the cabinet.
Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana raised concerns about the government’s neglect of home-based special needs children and questioned whether the budget allocation for Special Needs Education adequately addresses the needs of these individuals.
Kenya Institute of Special Education Director Dr. Norman Kiogora emphasized the importance of providing special care for learners with disabilities and stressed that these students have unique learning needs that should be accommodated.
During the Kenya Music Festival State Concert in Nakuru, festival chairman Dr. Fred Ngala appealed to President William Ruto to increase funding for the competition, specifically to include more learners with special needs.
Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET) Chairman Peter Sitienei called for increased funding and salary increments for teachers working in this field, expressing dissatisfaction with the current bargaining system.
Sitienei also criticized the government’s emphasis on day secondary schools and urged the implementation of the Presidential Working Party (PWP) Report to address the situation. The report recommended substantial increases in capitation fees for various education levels.
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Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu assured that students with special needs in institutions are being catered to, and the government is in the process of collecting data to guide disbursement for their support.
Director of Higher Education Darius Mogaka mentioned that the taskforce report on education has made recommendations regarding capitation fees, which will be fully addressed once the taskforce’s recommendations are implemented.
President Ruto pledged the government’s commitment to include students with special needs in talent nurturing programs, recognizing the need for a distinct learning environment to help them reach their full potential.
This collective concern and call for action highlight the urgency of addressing the challenges faced by special needs education in Kenya.
Ministry of Education Urged to Increase Funding to Special Schools
