Parents of children living with cerebral palsy in Kirinyaga County, Kenya, are calling on the county government to establish a special school for their children. Currently, they are forced to take their children to schools in Nyeri, Nairobi, and Embu, which is costly and inconvenient. The parents, led by Margaret Wanjiru, made the appeal on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in Kutus. They highlighted the challenges they face in caring for their children.
The parents cited difficulties in buying wheelchairs and accessing therapy and medication as some of the challenges they face. According to Margaret Wanjiru, sometimes they don't have money to buy wheelchairs, so they are forced to carry their children on their backs. The lack of essential medication at public hospitals is also a major concern. The parents are often asked to buy the drugs themselves, which can be expensive.
Caring for children with cerebral palsy is a significant challenge, particularly because some children are unable to communicate verbally, making it difficult for parents to know when they are unwell. Hellen Njeri, the mother of a 10-year-old girl living with cerebral palsy, emphasized that the children require special diets and round-the-clock care. She urged the government to stock drugs in hospitals and make therapy affordable.
Priscilla Nyaguthii, whose 13-year-old daughter also lives with cerebral palsy, called on the government to include children with the condition in the cash transfer programme for persons with disabilities. This would help alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by the parents. The parents are seeking support from the government to improve the lives of their children.
Joseph Mugo, a therapist, noted that children living with cerebral palsy require therapy at least three times a week. He called on the government to employ more therapists in the county to reduce the distance parents have to travel to access the services. This would help ensure that the children receive the care they need.
Zepporah Miring’u of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities explained that the council registers persons with disabilities and facilitates their assessment. In Kirinyaga, there are four hospitals that assess persons with disabilities, and after assessment, they issue certificates. The council plays a crucial role in supporting persons with disabilities.
The parents' appeal to the county government highlights the need for increased support for children with cerebral palsy in Kirinyaga County. The establishment of a special school and provision of essential medication at public hospitals would significantly improve the lives of these children and their families. The government is yet to respond to the parents' appeal.
Key points
- Parents of children with cerebral palsy in Kirinyaga County are calling for a special school and essential medication at public hospitals.
- The parents face challenges in buying wheelchairs and accessing therapy and medication.
- The government is urged to employ more therapists and include children with cerebral palsy in the cash transfer programme for persons with disabilities.
