Mama Rachel urges more support for learners with special needs

First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto has called for more investment in the welfare and education of children with special needs.

She spoke at St Luke’s School for the Deaf in Mbeere South, Embu County, where she also delivered a goodwill message from President William Ruto. “Investing in every child, including children with special educational needs, is an investment in Kenya’s future,” she said.

The First Lady praised the school for educating children with hearing disabilities since 1988. “Founded by the ACK Diocese of Mount Kenya East and now serving learners here in Mbeere South, this school has created a place where children with deafness can learn, discover their talents, develop practical skills and prepare for a self-reliant future,” she said.

She said the school would work with the Voice of Children Initiative under her office. The initiative focuses on Provision, Protection and Participation to help children access resources, live in safe environments and take part in decisions that affect them. During the visit, Mama Rachel commissioned a school laboratory, donated shoes and sanitary towels to learners and asked partners to support schools serving children with special needs.

She also launched a modern computer laboratory supported by the Chandaria Foundation. The lab has computers and an interactive learning screen. “Equally, through the generous support of our partners, the Chandaria Foundation, we have also launched a modern computer laboratory, equipped with computers and an interactive learning screen, to ensure that you keep pace with global education trends. May this laboratory and these tools help you discover, learn, create and build your future,” she said.

The First Lady praised the school’s kitchen garden and tree nursery. She donated 100 bags of rice and 70 bags of beans to strengthen the school feeding programme. “As we invest in learning, we must also ensure that our children are nourished and ready to learn. I am therefore pleased to support the school with 100 bags of rice and 70 bags of beans to strengthen the school feeding programme and contribute to the wellbeing of our learners,” she added.

St Luke’s School for the Deaf was named a First Lady’s Mazingira Awards Champion in 2024 and 2025. “This achievement is particularly close to my heart because FLAMA is about raising a generation that understands that caring for our environment is caring for our future,” First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto said.

Embu Deputy Governor Justus Mugo said the new laboratory and fruit tree nursery would benefit the school. “The laboratory and fruit tree nursery will have a huge impact on the school,” he said.

TVET Principal Secretary Dr Esther Muoria said the government would work on a framework and partnerships to equip schools serving learners with special needs.

Gender Affairs and Affirmative Action Principal Secretary Ann Wang’ombe thanked the First Lady for supporting vulnerable people.

Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi said the government and Parliament had passed laws to improve support for persons with special needs. He also praised the recruitment of more than 100,000 teachers and urged residents and learners to plant trees to fight climate change.