• The government is in full support of this sector as witnessed in the disbursement of funds.
• Each learner with special needs is allocated an additional capitation of Sh2,300 over and above what other learners get.
A special needs data center will soon be established for planning and resource allocation, the Ministry of Education has said.
Kenya Institute of Special Education has been mandated to ensure the data center is established.
Speaking during the launch of a two-day conference on functional assessment of special needs education, Education CS George Magoha expressed his support for the sector.
Magoha’s speech was read by implementation of Curriculum Reforms Principal Secretary Fatuma Chege.
Magoha noted that the challenges facing special needs and disability data in the country will be dealt with.
“The establishment of a data care center will enhance the availability of accurate and reliability of data,” Magoha said.
The government is in full support of this sector as witnessed in the disbursement of funds.
Each learner with special needs is allocated an additional capitation of Sh2,300 over and above what other learners get.
“At Secondary School level, a typical learner is provided with Sh22,244 per year while a learner with Special Needs or Disability is allocated Sh57,974 per year,” he added.
The CS urged KISE Council to ensure the envisaged Special Needs Data Centre for the country is established.
KISE chairperson John Kabutha thanked Unicef for their extended sponsorship.
Kabutha also noted that the data on persons with disabilities is inconsistent.
"The national assessment and research center at KISE will enable the institute to claim a position on reliable data," he said.
KISE runs a functional Educational Assessment Centre, often used as a reference point by EARC field officers as well as interested partners.
According to the ministry, the centre offers assessment and therapy services to children.
This unique centre is expected to revolutionise assessment of children with Special Needs and Disabilities and promote inclusive education practices.
The centre is equipped by the Government with modern equipment for assessment and rehabilitation of children with Special Needs and Disabilities.
The centre will also serve as a referral facility for functional assessment in the country.
KISE was established in 1986 to provide training and other specialised services to persons with special needs and disabilities.
One of the mandates of KISE is to assess children with special needs and disabilities for identification.
Others are early intervention, educational placement and provision of the necessary technical advice to parents and teachers.
The institute also spearheads research in special needs education.