The National Assembly Education Committee has pressed the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) to extend its resources and services beyond Nairobi to ensure learners with disabilities across the country benefit from inclusive education programs.
During an oversight visit on Thursday, the committee on Thursday, chaired by Julius Melly, toured key KISE facilities, including the Parental Empowerment Centre and the National Assistive Devices Production Unit (NADPU), which is nearing completion. Members examined how the institute is addressing teacher training, early identification of disabilities, and regional outreach initiatives.
MP Dick Maungu questioned KISE’s plan for rural coverage, asking, “What will happen to kids in Busia, Malindi, where those kids need these facilities? What strategies do you guys have to support people in far places?”
He reminded the institute of its legal obligations under the Persons with Disabilities Act, which requires a centre in every county.
Dr. Norman Kiogora, KISE Director, said the institute is using mobile assessment units to reach remote areas and is planning to set up ten regional Education Assessment and Resource Centres (EARCs).
“We are seeking the funds to facilitate decentralization of this critical function. The proposed budget for this to be actualized is Kshs. 210 million,” he added.
The committee reviewed the Assistive Devices Factory, which was launched following a presidential directive. Kiogora stated, “The facility that manufactures equipment for disabilities is 90% complete,” but noted that a lack of funds, Sh350 million lost last year and a Sh250 million gap has delayed equipping the workshops.
MP Melly asked about the operational plan for the factory, including manufacturing, distribution, and regional reach. The facility aims to provide affordable learning aids and assistive devices to schools, reducing shortages that limit access to education for children with disabilities.
KISE also highlighted a funding need of Sh86 million for the Parental Empowerment Centre, which is still incomplete due to a shortfall of Sh185 million.
On teacher training, MP Julius Taitum queried, “How are teachers transiting to JSS? Have you work with TSC to ensure teachers are transiting?” Dr. Kiogora clarified, “KISE they don't do degrees for teachers but diploma and certificates. KISE it's a training center for teachers.” The institute emphasized that while learners with severe disabilities face challenges adapting to the JSS curriculum, those with mild difficulties can transition smoothly.
Since 1986, KISE has trained over 37,000 teachers and staff.
The committee also learned that encroachment on KISE land remains a challenge, with 12.74 hectares in Mavoko and 19 hectares in Kasarani affected, limiting expansion plans.
Research at KISE continues, including a study on the “Effects of Hydrotherapy on behaviour and speech development in learners with Autism,” and a partnership with the University of Virginia to raise autism awareness among teachers and parents.
MP Haro Abdul (Mandera South) asked about KISE’s overall coverage, “When it comes to your role as an institution, what is your role in early identification and course. What's your coverage now?” Dr. Kiogora confirmed that services are delivered through the Referral Functional Assessment Centre and targeted outreach programmes across rural areas.
Committee Chair Julius Melly praised KISE’s progress but urged the institute to prioritize the completion and equipping of the Assistive Devices Factory to enhance access to learning resources and inclusive education.