This archive report was first published on 12 August 2019.
On August 8, 2019, nominated MCA Francis Kibai tabled a motion at the Baringo County Assembly that would change the lives of families with children living with autism.
The motion, which was adopted by the assembly, aims to create policies that will support children with autism in the county. This includes establishing early and accurate interventions such as diagnosis, therapy by specialists, referrals for severe autism, and more awareness on countering autism stigmatisation.
According to Kibai, these interventions will help autistic children and their families deal with the rising cases of the disorder in the county. He noted that establishing these interventions will enable children with autism to develop normally, just like their normal counterparts.
Fransica Cheburet, a resident, echoed Kibai's sentiments, saying that children with autism are intelligent and can develop normally if diagnosed early.
Autism Lights Inc, a nonprofit organisation, played a significant role in the passage of the motion. The organisation's director, Wamaratu Chege, said that Kenya is among the few countries in the world to implement autism policies, with Baringo County being the fifth county to pass an autism motion after Garissa, Nyandarua, Nairobi, and Tharaka Nithi.
Chege urged other counties to follow suit and pass motions to support the condition. He also announced that Autism Lights Inc is undertaking a survey to improve their content and services for individuals with autism.
