Government Commits to Greater Inclusion and Expanded Support for Persons With Disabilities and Albinism

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusion and expanding support for persons with disabilities and albinism, as Kenya marked three major milestones in the country's journey towards equality and human dignity.

The commitment was highlighted during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Thika School for the Visually Impaired, the 20th anniversary of the Albinism Society of Kenya (ASK), and the 11th International Albinism Awareness Day held at the Thika School for the Visually Impaired on Saturday.

Speaking during the event, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura praised the progress made in advancing the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities, particularly those living with albinism, while calling for renewed efforts to eliminate discrimination and exclusion.

Mwaura described the Thika School for the Visually Impaired as a pioneering institution that has transformed lives for eight decades.

Established in the 1940s, the school became the first institution of its kind in East and Central Africa and has since produced generations of teachers, professionals, entrepreneurs, leaders and advocates.

"Its legacy is not measured by its longevity but by the countless lives it has transformed," said Mwaura.

The Government Spokesperson also paid tribute to the Albinism Society of Kenya, which was founded in 2006 to champion the rights and inclusion of persons with albinism.

He noted that the organization has grown into one of Africa's leading disability rights movements, helping bring albinism into the national conversation and securing key gains such as parliamentary representation, legal recognition and improved access to essential services.

According to Mwaura, the society has played a critical role in challenging harmful myths and misconceptions surrounding albinism while advocating for dignity, equality and inclusion.

He recalled that persons with albinism once faced widespread discrimination, exclusion and even threats to their lives due to dangerous superstitions that fueled attacks across parts of East Africa.

Through partnerships with governments, security agencies and international organizations, ASK helped protect vulnerable individuals and push for stronger protections for persons with albinism.

Mwaura highlighted several empowerment initiatives implemented by the organization, including Imarisha Masomo, which supports education; Ajira, which promotes employment opportunities; and Linda Afya, which improves access to healthcare services.

He said the programmes have enabled hundreds of beneficiaries to access education, secure jobs and receive critical health support.

Many beneficiaries, he noted, have secured employment in leading organizations such as Safaricom, Kenya Airways, ABSA Bank, NCBA Bank, Carrefour and various government institutions.

The Government Spokesperson also hailed Kenya's National Albinism Sunscreen and Support Programme as a global model for disability inclusion.

Established under the National Council for Persons with Disabilities in 2013, the programme provides sunscreen and other support services to persons with albinism who face a heightened risk of skin cancer due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Mwaura said the Government has invested approximately Sh100 million annually in the programme for the past 13 years, amounting to nearly Sh1.3 billion.

He noted that the initiative has attracted international recognition, with several African countries benchmarking Kenya's approach after it was recognized by the United Nations Human Rights Council as a global best practice.

Marking this year's International Albinism Awareness Day under the theme "Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones," Mwaura urged Kenyans to embrace diversity and reject discrimination.

He emphasized that every person, regardless of skin colour, disability or genetic condition, deserves equal opportunities to learn, work and participate fully in society.

While acknowledging the progress made over the years, Mwaura said challenges such as bullying, stigma and limited access to healthcare and protective products still persist.

He called on parents, teachers, employers, religious leaders, the media and the wider public to play an active role in creating a more inclusive society.

"Inclusion is not charity but development. When a child is denied education because of discrimination, Kenya loses talent. When a qualified individual is denied employment because of prejudice, Kenya loses productivity," he said.

Mwaura encouraged young people living with albinism to believe in themselves and pursue their ambitions without fear.

As Kenya celebrated the three milestones, he said the country must continue working towards a future where every person with albinism and every person with a disability is safe, respected, empowered and fully included in national development.