Breaking Barriers: Education CS Julius Ogamba Flags Off Distribution of 11,139 Assistive Devices to Learners with Special Needs Across Kenya

By Gedion Nzyoki -

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 16, 2026 – The Ministry of Education has launched the third phase of the distribution of assistive devices and technologies to learners with special needs, with 11,139 devices set to benefit students in 321 inclusive programmes and special schools across all 47 counties.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba during the launch of the third phase of the distribution of 11,139 assistive devices and technologies to learners with special needs at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) in Nairobi on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Photo: KISE (Facebook).

Speaking during the official flag-off ceremony at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) on Thursday, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba said the initiative demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring that every learner, regardless of disability, has equal access to quality education.

"Today, as we launch the third phase of the distribution of assistive devices and technologies to schools, we are witnessing KISE fully living up to its statutory mandate.

This is not just another official event. It is a reminder of our shared responsibility to ensure that every child, regardless of their disability or circumstances, has an equal opportunity to learn, to grow, and to dream," Ogamba said.

The CS noted that KISE, established in 1986, continues to fulfil its statutory mandate of training specialised personnel, conducting research, operating psychoeducational functional assessment centres, and producing, maintaining, repairing, and distributing specialised learning resources and assistive technologies for persons with special needs and disabilities.

Government Expands Access to Assistive Technology

Ogamba said every assistive device distributed represents far more than equipment, describing them as tools that restore dignity, independence, and hope.

"Every assistive device that leaves KISE today carries with it the promise of inclusion, the promise of dignity, and hope for those learners who will be beneficiaries.

Our education philosophy, ladies and gentlemen, rests on the conviction that no child must be left behind. Disability is not inability, but a lack of access to the right tools can convert potential into frustration," he said.

He explained that assistive technologies such as Braille machines, digital magnifiers, hearing aids, and wheelchairs have the power to transform learners' educational experiences.

"When a learner with visual impairment receives a modern Braille machine or a digital magnifier, when a learner with hearing impairment receives a functional hearing aid, or when a learner with physical impairment receives a wheelchair, the classroom changes, and the entire future changes," he added.

Progress Since the Programme Began

The Cabinet Secretary highlighted the impact of the previous phases of the programme, saying the initiative has significantly improved access to education for learners with disabilities.

He said the first phase targeted 375 schools, distributing 22,323 assistive devices to learners with intellectual and developmental disabilities, visual impairments, hearing impairments, and physical impairments.

During the second phase, 500 special units received 29,424 assistive devices, enabling learners to access education more effectively.

"In addition to this initiative, remarkable transformations were witnessed in the schools that received support. Performance improved, retention rates soared, and, more importantly, the dignity of our learners was restored," Ogamba said.

The third phase will see 11,139 devices distributed to 321 inclusive programmes and special schools, further strengthening inclusive education under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework.

Expansion to Universities and Tertiary Institutions

Looking ahead, Ogamba announced that KISE plans to expand the distribution of assistive technologies beyond basic education.

"Inclusion in Kenya is changing. Increasingly, learners with disabilities are enrolling in regular public schools and our inclusive education programme. Many are also progressing to technical institutions, colleges, and our universities.

It is for this reason that I am pleased to inform you that KISE intends to expand the distribution of assistive devices and technologies to reach learners with disabilities in senior schools and tertiary institutions, including universities," the CS stated.

He said the expansion would ensure support follows learners throughout their education journey, regardless of the institutions they attend.

"Inclusion should never depend on the type of institution that the learner attends. Every learner who requires assistive technology should have access to it so that they can participate fully and succeed in their education," he added.

National Needs Assessment Ordered

To support the expansion, Ogamba directed KISE to undertake a nationwide special needs assessment to determine the specific requirements of learners with disabilities across learning institutions.

"This important exercise will help identify learners requiring assistive devices and technologies in different schools and learning institutions.

In line with the Presidential Working Party recommendations on KISE, I direct the institute to work closely with all learning institutions serving learners with special needs so that every learner is provided with assistive devices at a one-to-one ratio," he said.

He further urged teachers, school heads, and caregivers receiving the devices to ensure they are put to good use.

"Let them not gather dust in locked storerooms. Let them be on the desks, in the fields, and in the hands of the children who need them most," he said.

KISE to Geotag Every Device

KISE Director Dr. Norman Kiogora welcomed the latest phase of the distribution programme, saying more than 11,000 learners stand to benefit as barriers to education continue to be eliminated.

"Today, we have 11,000 learners who are going to benefit from this programme. The impact of this programme is that it is removing the barriers that prevent learners with special needs from accessing education," Kiogora said.

He said the institute would immediately implement the Cabinet Secretary's directive to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment across the education sector.

"We will take the directive very seriously and conduct a needs assessment for every learner throughout the education sector. We have to do it and do it well so that we know where every learner is, what support they currently have, and what gaps remain in meeting their needs," he said.

Kiogora also announced plans to geotag every assistive device issued to learners to improve accountability and long-term tracking.

"Once a learner receives a device, we must know who has it, the value it is providing, and when it may require replacement, so that we do not lose track of it.

After distributing these devices, we are not simply leaving them out there. We must follow them up through geotagging so that every device issued is able to support the learner throughout its intended lifespan," the institute director stated.

SHA Coverage for Learners

Kiogora further revealed that learners with special needs seeking assessment services at KISE are now fully covered under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

"I want to say that we are very grateful that our clients with special needs who come here for assessment are all covered by SHA," Kiogora said.

"SHA takes care of their assessment costs, enabling them to access these services without any financial barriers."

Government Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Education

Ogamba concluded by reaffirming the government's commitment to building an equitable and accessible education system through continued investment in assistive technologies, teacher capacity development, accessible infrastructure, and functional assessment services.

"We will continue investing in assistive devices and technology, teacher capacity development, functional assessment services, accessible infrastructure, and innovative approaches that make learning possible for all learners," he said.

The Cabinet Secretary also called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, including development partners, county governments, teachers, parents, and KISE staff, saying collective efforts are essential to advancing inclusive education and ensuring that no learner is left behind.