First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto Calls for More Investment in Learners with Special Needs
St Luke’s School for the Deaf was recognised as a First Lady’s Mazingira Awards (FLAMA) Champion in 2024 and 2025.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto has called for greater investment in the welfare and education of children with special needs, saying every child deserves an equal chance to learn, grow and succeed.
Speaking during a visit to St Luke’s School for the Deaf in Mbeere South, Embu County, Mama Rachel said investing in children with special educational needs is investing in Kenya’s future.
“Investing in every child, including children with special educational needs, is an investment in Kenya’s future,” she said.
She conveyed a goodwill message from President William Ruto and commended the school for its work since its establishment in 1988 by the ACK Diocese of Mount Kenya East.
“Founded by the ACK Diocese of Mount Kenya East and now serving learners here in Mbeere South, this school has created a place where children with deafness can learn, discover their talents, develop practical skills and prepare for a self-reliant future,” she said.
The First Lady said her office, through the Voice of Children Initiative, will work closely with the school under its three pillars of Provision, Protection and Participation – to ensure children have access to essential resources, safe and supportive environments, and a voice in matters affecting them.
During the visit, she commissioned a new school laboratory and announced the launch of a modern computer lab equipped with computers and an interactive learning screen, supported by the Chandaria Foundation.
“Equally, through the generous support of our partners, the Chandaria Foundation, we have also launched a modern computer laboratory, equipped with computers and an interactive learning screen, to ensure that you keep pace with global education trends. May this laboratory and these tools help you discover, learn, create and build your future,” she said.
She also praised the school’s kitchen garden and tree nursery as models of sustainable farming and environmental conservation, and supported the school feeding programme with 100 bags of rice and 70 bags of beans. She donated shoes and sanitary towels to the learners.
St Luke’s School for the Deaf was recognised as a First Lady’s Mazingira Awards (FLAMA) Champion in 2024 and 2025.
“This achievement is particularly close to my heart because FLAMA is about raising a generation that understands that caring for our environment is caring for our future,” she said.
Embu Deputy Governor Justus Mugo said the visit was a major boost to the school and community, noting the new laboratory and fruit tree nursery will have a significant impact.
TVET Principal Secretary Dr. Esther Muoria said the government will develop frameworks and partnerships to equip schools serving learners with special needs, while Gender Affairs PS Ann Wang’ombe thanked the First Lady for her continued support for vulnerable groups.
Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi said the government and Parliament have enacted legislation to strengthen support for persons with special needs, and lauded the recruitment of over 100,000 teachers as the largest in the country’s history. He also urged residents and learners to embrace tree planting to combat climate change.
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