KAPENGURIA, West Pokot — Poverty and stigma are forcing children with disabilities out of school in West Pokot, with some parents hiding them at home or sending them to herd livestock instead of supporting their education.
The issue came to light Sunday, August 16, during a donation drive at Keringet School for the Hearing Impaired in Kapenguria Constituency. Learners received mattresses, beds, clothes, food and other supplies.
Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto said disability should not bar children from education.
“Every child deserves an opportunity to learn, grow, and realise their full potential,” Moroto said.
He pledged to lobby for more resources for Keringet and other special-needs schools, and to fund a main gate and perimeter fence through CDF to improve security for learners with hearing impairment.
Keringet Headteacher Charles Kimayo said poverty is the biggest obstacle. Some parents struggling with basic needs, view children with disabilities as unable to contribute to the family.
“Some parents see their children as if they are not useful. But when supported, they can become useful members of society,” Kimayo said.
The school is also grappling with inadequate facilities, limited funding, insufficient accommodation and a shortage of specialised teachers. It has only 13 teachers.
The Children’s Department donated 20 mattresses, furniture, food and hygiene supplies including rice, beans, maize, oil, and sanitary towels.
Despite the challenges, Keringet learners continue to excel. The school has represented Kenya in East Africa in folk songs.
Two learners are currently competing in Morogoro, Tanzania, while others have performed well in national music contests in Bungoma.
Kimayo appealed for a senior school section at Keringet to keep learners close to home instead of sending them to Kakamega, Bungoma, Litein and Kapsabet.
He also asked for more classrooms, teachers’ houses, specialised staff and a perimeter fence.
School representative Saimon Kakuko urged well-wishers to sponsor learners from vulnerable families at about Sh15,000 per child annually.
Parent Amina Soita, whose child is in Grade Seven, said the donations had eased the financial burden on families.
Speakers urged communities to challenge misconceptions about disability and ensure no child is denied education because of poverty, stigma or fear.
