Tessie Mudavadi Wants all Children with Disabilities Registered

By The COAST Reporter

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Parents of children with disabilities have been encouraged to register them with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).

Tessie Mudavadi, the wife of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, said the registration would go a long way in helping the children access government support services and educational opportunities.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for Mali Integrated School at Karen in Nairobi, she stated that many children with disabilities missed important services because they were not registered with the council.

She pointed out that registration was the first step to ensuring these children benefit from assistive devices, inclusive education programs, and social support initiatives that improve their quality of life.

“Registration is about recognition and unlocking access to services, assistive devices, inclusive education support, and social protection programs that help children thrive.”

She stressed that disability should not be seen as a limitation urging parents to seek assessments and registration for their children as soon as possible.

“I encourage parents not to wait. Take the step to seek assessment and registration early, so every child receives the support they need to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.”

She praised the launch of Mali Integrated School stating that it would play a key role in promoting inclusive education and showing how learners with different abilities can succeed together.

Tessie noted that integrated education allows children with and without disabilities to share the same learning environment, fostering understanding, acceptance, and equal opportunities.

She said that model encouraged interaction among learners, builds confidence, and creates a sense of belonging for children who might otherwise feel excluded from general education.

“Mali Integrated School aims to be a model center of excellence where learners with and without disabilities learn, grow, and thrive side by side.”

NCPD regional coordinator Jane Wamugu welcomed the project saying it a major step toward achieving educational equity in Kenya.

“Today we are making a clear statement that every child, regardless of ability, background, gender, or circumstance, deserves an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential,” she said.

The coordinator noted that the Constitution guarantees every child’s right to education with the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025 further strengthening the country’s commitment to disability inclusion and accessibility.

She mentioned that the council would collaborate with the institution to ensure it meets accessibility standards and adopts effective inclusive learning practices.

“The Council is ready to provide technical guidance on disability inclusion, accessibility standards, assistive devices and technologies, capacity building for teachers and staff, and implementing inclusive policies and practices.”

She added that the school had the potential to become a national model for successful inclusive education.

The institution is designed to feature accessible classrooms, pathways, restrooms, and learning resources tailored to meet the needs of all learners.

Education stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the project would significantly help ensure no child is left behind, regardless of their physical or intellectual ability.