This archive report was first published on 23 July 2019.
On July 23, 2019, KBC reported that 12 counties were in the process of passing motions to establish special classrooms in all Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers across the wards, aiming to boost support for children with Autism.
The initiative, supported by Autism Lights International, a non-governmental organization championing for the rights of children living with Autism, aims to provide quality education to children with the condition.
Already, Garrisa and Nyandarua County assemblies have passed motions for the establishment of the special ECD centers.
Autism Lights International Director for Policy Wamaratu Chege emphasized the need for all children living with Autism to have access to quality education, which can only be achieved by setting up specific educational centers in schools.
“The motions being passed seek to have County Governors build special ECD centers in all schools for children living with the condition and we are glad that Garrisa and Nyandarua Counties have begun the process of implementing the laws passed last week,” Chege said.
The organization plans to roll out a national survey to determine the exact numbers of children with Autism, as current statistics indicate that one in forty children suffers from the condition.
Speaking during a sensitization meeting with residents and parents of Kimaru Special School in Nyandarua County, Kirita Ward MCA Justus Gaita urged the Governor to implement the new law by building at least one ECD center in all the wards for children with Autism.
