Healthcare professionals have issued an urgent call for immediate action from communities, the public sector and corporate stakeholders to bridge a widening support gap for children with disabilities, even as diagnoses continue to increase across the country.
The appeal emerged from a workshop organised by Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital in partnership with Sanlam Allianz Holdings (Kenya) PLC, during which parents and caregivers were equipped with essential skills to foster the independence and socialisation of children with special needs. The event underscored the critical role of inclusive community support in nurturing their development.
The workshop is part of a broader empowerment initiative launched in September 2024 under a three-year partnership between Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation and Sanlam Allianz Holdings (Kenya) PLC, supported by the Sanlam Foundation and enabled by the Allianz Group Social Impact Fund. Earlier, in February 2025, 113 children had benefitted from a sports and arts day themed “Celebrating Abilities, Together We Shine,” which included occupational therapy sessions designed to enhance their social and cognitive skills.
Speaking during the workshop, Dr Robert Nyarango, Chief Executive Officer at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, emphasised the importance of strengthening the capacity of parents and caregivers. “Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in the social development of children. In addition to the challenges children with disabilities face, they also need to have the skills to interact and integrate into their communities. As part of a larger programme, the training will help improve the children’s communication skills, enhance their functional abilities, and increase their social inclusion.”
Attendees received training in evidence-based techniques to support children’s development. These included communication strategies, behavioural management approaches, and advocacy skills to help families navigate education and healthcare systems more effectively.
On their part, Sanlam Allianz Holdings (Kenya) PLC Group Chief Executive and the Chief Executive Officer of Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance (Kenya) Limited, Jacqueline Karasha, stressed the importance of the collaboration in fostering long-term societal integration. She said the programme not only equips children for better societal inclusion but also raises awareness among communities, cultivating more informed advocates for children with disabilities.
In Kenya, persons with disabilities continue to confront significant barriers to access in education, social inclusion and formal employment. According to 2019 census data, 2.2 per cent of Kenyans live with a disability. Mobility impairments are the most prevalent, followed by seeing, cognition, hearing and self-care challenges. Vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, are disproportionately affected by poverty, exacerbated by insufficient access to social protection.
Through the joint initiative, organisers aim to provide social skills training for at least 100 children, access to sports and arts activities for at least 300, and occupational therapy for at least 50.
As disability diagnoses rise and the support shortfall deepens, stakeholders say this collaborative model — engaging families, communities, and corporate and public sector partners — is vital. They warn that without urgent and sustained intervention, many children with disabilities risk being left behind.
