More than 300 teachers, caregivers, community health workers, and disability inclusion champions are undergoing a four-month training programme designed to strengthen early identification, intervention, and inclusion of children living with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
The free training, organized by Orione Community Training Centre in Kandisi in partnership with Spain’s Manos Unidas Foundation under the Inclusive Futures Certification Programme, is equipping participants with practical skills in early intervention, inclusive education, disability advocacy, and community-based support.
The programme, currently underway in Ongata Rongai, focuses on neurodevelopmental conditions including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability, and speech and language disorders.
Speaking during the training, speech and language therapist Regina Mbugua emphasized that early diagnosis and intervention are critical in improving children’s long-term development and independence.
She explained that timely support enables children to access therapies while their brains are still developing, increasing their ability to acquire communication, mobility, learning, and social skills.
“Many children are hidden by their families because disability is still associated with witchcraft, curses, or bad luck. This delays diagnosis and denies them the opportunity to receive the support they need,” she said.
Mbugua noted that the programme is also helping teachers, healthcare workers, religious leaders, and other community stakeholders build the knowledge and confidence needed to support children with disabilities both in schools and within their communities.
According to the organizers, neurodevelopmental disabilities may result from genetic conditions, complications during pregnancy or childbirth, childhood illnesses such as meningitis, or exposure to environmental toxins including lead and mercury.
They cited recent findings indicating that 11.4 per cent of Kenyan children aged between three and 21 years live with a disability, highlighting the growing need for early intervention services and greater public awareness.
Building pathways to independence
Parent and autism advocate Idah Mbiti shared her personal journey after her daughter was diagnosed with autism at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Initially believing her daughter had delayed speech, Mbiti said specialized assessment and subsequent enrolment at Orione Community Training Centre transformed her daughter’s development and daily living skills.
She encouraged parents to embrace children with disabilities instead of hiding them because of stigma.
“No parent should deny a child the right to education or access to therapy because of fear or shame. Every child deserves love, acceptance, and the opportunity to reach their full potential,” she said.
Early stimulation teacher Jacinta Kiamba observed that learners with neurodevelopmental disabilities require individualized teaching approaches, patience, and consistent support to develop foundational skills such as writing, drawing, and communication.
Beyond early intervention, the programme also prepares young adults for independent living through vocational training.
Vocational skills trainer Lyndon Wepukhulu said learners who demonstrate readiness are transitioned into vocational programmes after the age of 18, with parents, teachers, and therapists jointly identifying suitable career pathways based on each learner’s abilities and interests.
Training areas include farming, poultry keeping, beadwork, and other practical livelihood skills aimed at promoting economic independence.
The programme also incorporates modules on child protection, disability rights, and advocacy, promoting awareness of protections provided under Article 54 of the Constitution of Kenya and the Persons with Disabilities Act, including the right to education, healthcare, accessibility, protection from discrimination, and equal opportunities.
The Inclusive Futures Certification Programme is expected to conclude in September, with successful participants receiving certificates in disability inclusion, further strengthening the country’s capacity to provide early intervention and inclusive support for children with disabilities.