Maasai Mara University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kenya Institute of Special Education to strengthen support for students with disabilities and promote inclusive education. This partnership aims to ease the financial burden on parents, particularly in providing assistive devices used by learners with disabilities, which are often expensive. The collaboration was announced on October 5, 2026.
According to KISE Director Dr. Norman Kiogora, the government has begun a programme to provide universities with assistive devices and equipment to support students with disabilities. For the first time since independence, Kenya will provide assistive devices free of charge through the establishment of an industry to manufacture the equipment locally. Dr. Kiogora emphasized that every Kenyan child, regardless of their disability, has a right to access education and explore their talent without discrimination.
Dr. Kiogora commended Maasai Mara University for taking the lead in promoting inclusion and ensuring students with disabilities have equal opportunities in education. He expressed hope that this partnership will set a precedent for other institutions to follow. The Kenya Institute of Special Education will work closely with Maasai Mara University to ensure that students with disabilities receive the necessary support to excel academically.
Maasai Mara University Vice Chancellor Prof. Penninah Aloo stated that the institution will increase research aimed at developing assistive devices and establish laboratories that are accessible and compliant with the needs of persons with disabilities. The university plans to expand community outreach programmes to support families raising children with disabilities. This initiative aims to address the frustration faced by many parents of children with disabilities due to the lack of adequate support.
Prof. Aloo mentioned that Maasai Mara University has continued to enrol students with disabilities and will take measures to ensure they are not discriminated against. As one of the 23 universities selected to participate in innovation programmes, the university will use research and innovation to develop solutions that improve the lives of persons with disabilities. This includes identifying and nurturing talent among learners with disabilities.
The partnership between Maasai Mara University and KISE is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of students with disabilities. By providing assistive devices and promoting inclusive education, the two institutions aim to create a more equitable learning environment. The university's commitment to supporting students with disabilities is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Key initiatives under this partnership include the development of assistive devices, establishment of accessible laboratories, and expansion of community outreach programmes. These efforts will be crucial in ensuring that students with disabilities have equal opportunities in education. The collaboration between Maasai Mara University and KISE sets a positive precedent for inclusive education in Kenya.
Key points
- Maasai Mara University and KISE partner to promote inclusive education and support students with disabilities.
- The partnership aims to ease the financial burden on parents of children with disabilities.
- The government has begun a programme to provide universities with assistive devices and equipment to support students with disabilities.
