KAKAMEGA COUNTY, CDSK PARTNER TO DEVELOP ECDE INCLUSIVE POLICY

The County Government of Kakamega, through the Department of Education, held a consultative meeting with Cheshire Disability Services Kenya (CDSK) and various stakeholders to develop a policy framework aimed at supporting children living with disabilities. The meeting, presided over by the CECM for Education, Dr. Benard Amwayi, focused on reviewing the progress of a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2022 between CDSK and Kakamega County.

CDSK, which has been working closely with Kakamega, Siaya, and Kisumu counties, has so far improved learning conditions through the provision of adaptive learning materials, renovation of classrooms such as those at Mumias Township Primary, training of teachers and Boards of Management, and enhancing early intervention efforts. Two schools were selected during the pilot phase through community engagement to identify key challenges affecting children with disabilities.

During the meeting, the technical team discussed the zero-draft of the ECDE inclusive education policy, which is set to be shared with the County Attorney for legal scrutiny. Dr. Amwayi emphasized the county’s commitment to making ECDE centres safe, inclusive, and empowering learning environments for all children. He noted that the initiative is in line with Governor Fernandes Barasa’s manifesto on inclusive and quality education under the Social Development Pillar.

He further stated that the county is ready to build on the gains made and explore more sustainable strategies as the current MoU nears its renewal in August 2025.

On his part, Mr. George Shimanyula from CDSK emphasized the importance of building an inclusive society where persons with disabilities are resilient and lead quality lives, stressing the focus on learning, transition, and sustainability.