MPs push for faster completion of disability equipment factory to improve access to learning materials

The Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) has been urged to speed up the decentralisation of special needs education services and finalise the construction of its assistive devices factory.

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education said this would ensure equitable access to learning materials and support for children with disabilities, particularly in rural and marginalised areas.

During an oversight visit to the institution’s headquarters in Kasarani, Nairobi County, on Thursday, the Committee, chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, held discussions with KISE Director and Secretary to the Council, Norman Kiogora, on matters relating to teacher training, early identification of disabilities, and the progress of key development projects including the Assistive Devices Factory and the Parental Empowerment Centre.

Members of the Committee expressed concern that KISE’s essential services were still concentrated in Nairobi, leaving many learners with disabilities in rural counties underserved.

“What will happen to kids in Busia, Malindi, where those kids need these facilities? What strategies do you guys have to support people in far places?” Luanda MP Dick Maungu said.

He also reminded the institution of its legal mandate, saying, “We have the Persons with Disabilities Act that mandates KISE to have a centre in every county, what is the progress?”

Responding to the legislators' concerns, Kiogora said the institute has been using mobile assessment services to reach remote areas.

“We have a mobile assessment track that goes to these areas,” he said.

He added that KISE has restructured its framework to operationalise 10 regional Education Assessment and Resource Centres (EARCs) as part of its decentralisation plan, but said implementation depends on budgetary support.

“We are seeking the funds to facilitate decentralisation of this critical function. The proposed Budget for this to be actualised is Sh210 million,” he said.

The Committee inspected the progress of two major projects, including the Parental Empowerment Centre and the National Assistive Devices Production Unit (NADPU), commonly referred to as the Assistive Devices Factory.

Kiogora informed the MPs that the factory, which will manufacture learning and mobility aids for persons with disabilities, is almost complete.

“The facility that manufactures equipment for disabilities is 90 per cent complete,” he said.

However, the institute reported financial challenges that have delayed the project’s completion.

“We experienced a Sh350 million lapse in funding during the last financial year and currently have a Sh250 million gap required to equip the factory’s workshops, including aluminium, leather, and glass units,” Kiogora said.

Other Topics To Read

• Education
• Kenya Institute of Special Education
• Persons living with disabilities
• PWDs in kenya
• Disability Inclusion
• MPs push for faster completion of disability equipment factory to improve access to learning materials
• Headlines

“The funding gap for immediate equipping… will greatly hamper the launch of the factory within this financial year despite completion of construction works.”

Committee Chair Julius Melly questioned the operational plan for the factory.

“How do you intend to manufacture, distribute and sell these assistive devices even regionally? How will it work?” he posed.

The facility, once operational, is expected to bridge the shortage of assistive devices and learning materials for learners with disabilities and improve their access to quality education.

KISE also raised concerns over inadequate funding for the Parental Empowerment Centre, citing a shortfall of Sh185 million and requesting an additional Sh86 million in the Supplementary Budget to purchase specialised equipment for the nearly complete facility.

On teacher training, Committee Members sought clarification on the institution’s role in the transition of educators to Junior Secondary School (JSS).

“How are teachers transitioning to JSS? Have you worked with TSC to ensure teachers are transitioning?” Igembe North MP Julius Taitum posed.

Kiogora explained that KISE’s role is focused on diploma and certificate-level teacher training.

“KISE doesn’t do degrees for teachers, but diploma and certificate courses. KISE is a training centre for teachers,” he said.

On the implementation of the new curriculum, the Director noted that “learners with serious disabilities can’t do some parts of the curriculum, but learners with fewer challenges can transition easily to the new curriculum.”

He added that KISE has trained 37,439 teachers and education personnel since 1986.

The Committee was also briefed on the land ownership and encroachment issues affecting KISE’s planned expansion. Kiogora said the institution’s 12.74 hectares in Mavoko, earmarked for training facilities, and its 19 hectares in Kasarani had been encroached upon.

On research, Kiogora said the institute is conducting a study on the “Effects of Hydrotherapy on Behaviour and Speech Development in Learners with Autism” and collaborating with the University of Virginia on a longitudinal study aimed at raising autism awareness among parents and teachers.

Mandera South MP Abdul Haro sought clarification on KISE’s reach and role in identifying disabilities early in children.

“When it comes to your role as an institution, what is your role in early identification and course? What’s your coverage now? When it comes to other kids with disabilities in other counties?” he posed.

Kiogora responded that KISE offers services through its Referral Functional Assessment Centre and targeted assessment outreach initiatives across the country.

Committee Chair Julius Melly commended KISE for its progress and commitment but urged the management to prioritise the completion of the Assistive Devices Factory and enhance outreach to counties to ensure learners with disabilities receive the support they need nationwide.