Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang admitted that while there are several interventions in place aimed at promoting inclusive education, they are still faced with a myriad of challenges.
Belio pointed out that through the free primary education (FPE), and free day secondary education (FDSE) initiatives, enrollment rates for children with disabilities in special needs schools and those from ASAL areas have significantly gone up.
“While the government and the Ministry continue to put efforts to surmount these challenges, we call upon partners to join us in seeking intervention and address some of the challenges,” he said.
Speaking during the Schools Connect Dialogue 2024, in Nairobi, the PS highlighted inadequate infrastructure, shortage of trained teachers and societal stigma and low retention rates in marginalized areas as the main challenges.
Recognising the support they have continued to receive from the various partners, Belio appealed for support towards training of more teachers.
This is in addition to equipping them with the necessary skills to be able to handle the diverse needs of all learners.
“We need to engage and involve local communities by creating awareness programmes that aim to reduce stigma and promote acceptance,” he added.
Adequate resources, he added, are required to improve facilities and support all services for inclusive education.
The dialogue was dubbed “Inclusion and Belonging in Schools”.
It was organised by the British Council.
Representatives from the British Council, UNICEF among other senior education officials were present.
In a statement, the British Council expressed its commitment to continue supporting students and educators by ensuring access to high-quality education.
This is particularly in multilingual and under-resourced contexts.
“We work to empower young people with the skills needed for education and employment while also helping teachers and education leaders grow professionally,” it reads in part.
UNICEF Country Director and Deputy Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa ( ESARO) Lieke van de Wield echoed the remarks saying they will continue to work with all to build education systems that inclusive, equitable accessible to all.