This archive report was first published on 10 October 2019.
On Wednesday, the Nakuru County Assembly made history by passing a groundbreaking motion to enhance education and healthcare services for children with autism.
The motion, tabled by Lakeview Ward MCA Karanja Mburu, seeks to allocate funds for the construction of classrooms and the employment of specialized teachers who will provide therapy to autistic children.
This move makes Nakuru County the eighth in Kenya to adopt such a bill, following in the footsteps of Nairobi, Garissa, Nyandarua, Tharaka Nithi, Baringo, and others.
Majority of the MCAs in the assembly expressed optimism that the bill, if implemented, will significantly reduce the financial burden on parents who have been forced to seek private schools for their autistic children.
According to Mr. Chege Wamaratu, the Director of Public Policies and Special Projects Africa, Autism Lights, it is high time Kenyans and county governments acknowledge and support individuals with autism, providing them with the necessary skills to thrive.
Ms. Mary Kimani, the president of Autism Lights, emphasized that the proposed classes will greatly alleviate the burden on women who often take on the primary caregiving role for children with autism, allowing them to focus on economic activities.
Autism is a rapidly growing neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately 1 in 40 individuals globally and in Kenya, with access to education being a pressing need for children diagnosed with the condition.
Published on October 10, 2019.
