During Mashujaa Day on October 20 at Kwale State Lodge, Jonathan Metet was among the Kenyans recognised by President William Ruto as national heroes.
What began as a deeply personal challenge for Metet blossomed into a national mission to help PWDs.
The father of four, including a daughter with a disability, has spent more than a decade fighting for the rights and inclusion of persons with disability.
His work has touched lives both locally and internationally.
His official job is in the human resources department of the Technical University of Mombasa which has become disability-friendly.
Metet’s life took a turn for the worse when his daughter Blessy lost her hearing after a prolonged illness.
The deafness was not just a medical diagnosis; it was the beginning of a journey fraught with rejection, frustration and discrimination.
“Doctors recommended my daughter join a regular school, but when we tried to enrol her, she faced rejection due to her hearing impairment,” Metet said during an interview at the Star offices in Mombasa.
Despite doctors’ assurances that Blessy could thrive in a mainstream setting, the stigma surrounding her disability made finding a suitable school nearly impossible.
The family’s early years were spent shuttling between schools and hospitals.
Blessy attended two regular schools in Bomet before the family moved to Kilifi in 2012. There, the rejection intensified.
“I visited three regular schools in Kilifi, and all of them turned us away. It was heart-breaking,” Metet said.
Ultimately, he enrolled Blessy in the Kibarani School for the Deaf. Later, she transferred to Kizito Literary School for the Deaf in Kericho and eventually completed her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) at St Angela Mumias Vocational School for the Deaf this year.
Blessy’s challenges lit a fire in Metet.
“I began to wonder how many other parents were going through the same ordeal. How many children were being denied opportunities because of their disabilities?” he asked.
Determined to make a difference, Metet turned to social media, using his Facebook page to advocate for disability inclusion.
Over the years, Metet has helped countless parents navigate the maze of disability registration, school placements, and access to assistive devices.
“Every day, I receive messages or calls from parents seeking guidance. Some need help registering their children as persons with disabilities, while others are looking for schools or resources,” he said.
Through his advocacy, Metet has not only provided practical solutions but also offered emotional support to persons with disability and their families.
“Many parents tell me they’ve started to accept their children’s disabilities because of my mentorship and shared experiences,” he said.
Metet’s passion didn’t go unnoticed. In 2020, the Technical University of Mombasa, where he works in the Human Resources department, appointed him to its Disability Inclusion Committee.
The following year, he was named Disability Inclusion Champion connecting TUM to the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.
“My job is to ensure TUM is an inclusive institution,” Metet said.
This involves working closely with the Dean of Students, the accommodation manager, and other departments to address the needs of students with disabilities.
One of his most notable achievements is the admission of Brian Nyabuto, TUM’s first student using a wheelchair, to pursue a diploma in Social Work.
“Brian needed a personal guide, so we waived additional accommodation charges. It’s a small step, but it’s significant,” Metet said.
Under his guidance, TUM has undergone significant changes. From building ramps and accessible washrooms to ensuring new projects meet inclusive standards, the university is now a model of disability inclusion.
This commitment was recognised during the 20-year celebration of disability inclusion in Kenya, in which TUM was honoured as the best institution in disability inclusion. Metet’s advocacy also gained international attention.
In December last year, he was invited to speak at the International Conference for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
It was Metet’s first foray onto the global stage.
“I was one of 85 global speakers. Not only did I speak, but I also chaired a symposium alongside a Tanzanian co-chair. It was an incredible experience,” he said.
This recognition has opened doors to more opportunities. Metet has been invited to forums and conferences as a guest speaker and mentor, sharing his insights on disability inclusion and the transition of learners with disabilities from high school to higher education.
Metet’s work is not without challenges. One of the most pressing issues is the lack of sign language interpreters for public services and often in broadcasts of Parliament proceedings.
“Transporting my daughter to school has always been difficult because our transport system isn’t equipped for people who are deaf. Hospitals are another challenge. Without interpreters, accessing medical services becomes a frustrating ordeal,” he said.
While Metet pushes for systemic changes, he remains deeply involved in individual cases.
“About 90 per cent of the issues I handle are one-on-one. Parents come to me with their struggles, and I do my best to guide them,” he said.
One of the success stories Metet fondly remembers is his collaboration with a transport company, Tahmed, to support his daughter.
“When Blessy needed to travel long distances, Tahmed stepped in. Their support made a huge difference,” he said.
In October, Metet’s efforts were recognised at the highest level when President Ruto named him a national hero.
“It was surreal to stand there and be acknowledged for work I’ve done voluntarily for more than 13 years,” he said.
However, for Metet, the real reward lies in the lives he has touched.
“Every time a parent tells me they’ve found a school for their child or secured an assistive device, it’s a victory,” he said.
As he looks to the future, Metet aims to continue advocating for an inclusive society.
“We need to ensure every person with a disability has access to education, healthcare, and employment,” he said.
Beyond his personal efforts, Metet envisions a Kenya where disability inclusion is not just a policy on paper but a practice.
He is particularly passionate about ensuring learners with disabilities transition from high school to colleges and universities.
At TUM, Metet is working to ensure that every renovation or construction project includes accessibility features.
“We’ve added ramps, accessible washrooms and we’re now working on the library to ensure students with disabilities can access all resources,” he said.
Metet’s journey from a struggling father to a national hero is a story of resilience, compassion, and unwavering determination.
His advocacy has not only changed the lives of countless individuals but has also set a standard for institutions across the country.
“My daughter’s struggles gave me a purpose. I want to ensure that no parent has to go through what I did, and that every person with a disability has the opportunity to thrive,” he said.
