KENYA’S SHIFT FROM POLICY TO INCLUSIVE CLASSROOMS – Kenya Institute of Special Education

By Nadia Muthoni

Many of us can still recall stories from our grandparents about how schooling was in their day. Back then, education was a privilege for a few, with chalkboards, crowded classrooms, and books being passed around as rare treasures. For children with disabilities, the situation was even tougher , most were kept at home, hidden from society, or simply left without any access to formal learning. The idea of inclusive education was far from reality.In those analog days, learning was rigid and uniform, designed for a single type of child. Those who couldn’t fit the model whether due to visual, hearing, or intellectual disabilities were left behind. The system simply didn’t know how, or perhaps didn’t try hard enough, to include them.

Fast forward to today, and the story is changing. Kenya is rewriting the script of education to ensure no learner is left in the shadows. With the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform (2023), inclusivity is no longer an afterthought ,it is a national priority.This transformation can be seen in classrooms across the country where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated. Children who once would have been excluded are now being assessed early, supported with assistive devices, and taught alongside their peers. Schools are being challenged to create spaces where every child can thrive, no matter their abilities.

At the center of this progress is KISE ,The Kenya Institute of Special Education. For decades, KISE has championed this vision by Training teachers to identify and support learners with disabilities, producing Braille, sign language resources, and adaptive tools that open doors to learning,conducting groundbreaking research on autism, intellectual disabilities, and inclusive teaching methods.KISE is already empowering parents and caregivers to become partners in education, not bystanders.

The journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Infrastructure gaps, limited resources, and societal stigma still pose challenges. Yet, Kenya is grasping every opportunity to create an inclusive future from embracing technology in classrooms to partnering with global organizations for support and innovation.What once seemed impossible in our grandparents time is now within reach. The movement toward inclusive education is shaping not just schools, but the future of our people. It’s a powerful reminder that education is more than lessons and exams, it’s a tool for equity, dignity, and nation-building.And as Kenya continues to turn policies into practice, one thing is clear, inclusive education is not just a goal, it’s a legacy we are building for generations to come.