Relief for Kwale PWDs as first Sensory Integration Centre launched

For many years, families raising children with disabilities in Kwale county have struggled to access early diagnosis, specialised care and therapy.

Often, they were forced to travel long distances in search of such crucial services, or worse, go without any support.

What was once a distant dream, however, is now a reality with the launch of the county’s first Sensory Integration Unit at Kids Care Kenya in Lunga Lunga, Kwale.

 The state-of-the-art centre has been launched by Kids Care in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).

It is expected to be a transformative milestone for children living with sensory and developmental challenges, as well as those with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and other conditions. It’s for adults as well.

The facility can serve at least five children per session, providing timely and localised support to a population long overlooked by the healthcare system.

NCPWD county disability services officer Emily Mwembe said the facility will bridge a critical gap in access to disability services, enabling early diagnosis and support for children and adults who often remain undiagnosed or misunderstood within their community.

 “With the launch of this unit, hope is being restored as interventions tailored to improve communication, mobility and overall independence will be offered,” Mwembe said.

She said it will not only bring critical services closer to the people but also restore dignity, promote empowerment and illuminate a brighter future for residents with disabilities.

Mwembe said the centre marks a turning point in how the community views and supports persons with disabilities (PWDs), especially children who have long been marginalised due to limited access to inclusive services.

Through medical, psychological and educational assessments, the centre will help determine children’s unique needs and direct them to suitable learning institutions or government empowerment programmes.

Mwembe emphasised the importance of early intervention, saying many children with disabilities go undiagnosed and unsupported for years, which greatly reduce their potential.

The facility aims to break the barriers that have kept many children hidden in homes.

The centre will be a hub where caregivers, teachers, and health professionals can collaborate to create customised care plans and monitor the progress of PWDs.

Edward Gereza, the coordinator of Health and Rehabilitation Services at Kids Care Kenya, urged parents, guardians and the entire community to adopt the initiative and ensure no child is left behind.

 “This is not charity; it is justice. Every child, regardless of their ability, has the right to thrive and to be seen, heard and supported,” he said.

The facility will complement government hospitals that provide similar services, thereby strengthening overall service delivery.

It will ease the burden on major health facilities while improving access to targeted care at the grassroots level.

Gereza said the facility will be a referral point for surrounding health centres and schools, offering expert assessments, early intervention, therapy, and follow-up support for children.

The initiative aligns with the government’s broader agenda of inclusive development and equity in providing services.

“Our goal is to build a system that listens, responds, and adapts to the needs of every citizen, including the most vulnerable. This facility brings us one step closer to that reality,” Gereza said.