One in 25 Kenyan Children Lives with Autism: Uasin Gishu County Marks World Autism Day with Calls for Inclusion, Policy Reform
“We are here to create a platform where children and adults with autism can have a voice,” Autism advocate Linda Madegwa,
Eldoret Residents Take to the Streets to Commemorate World Autism Day | Marked every year on April 2nd, the walk aimed to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and amplify the voices of individuals with autism
As the world observed World Autism Awareness Day, Uasin Gishu County held a moving commemorative event championing inclusion, early diagnosis, and specialized support for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). With current estimates indicating that 4% of Kenyan children – roughly 1 in every 25 – are living with autism, the event came as a timely reminder of the urgent need for inclusive education systems, public awareness, and mental health resources in Kenya.
Led by renowned autism advocate Linda Madegwa, the gathering brought together caregivers, educators, medical professionals, and community leaders in Eldoret to spotlight the challenges and rights of autistic individuals—especially those who are non-verbal.
“We are here to create a platform where children and adults with autism can have a voice,” said Madegwa. “Most individuals with autism are non-verbal, and it is crucial that the community learns to understand their communication cues. Autism should not be a silent struggle.”
Tragedy Sparks Change: Remembering Emmanuel
A central focus of the event was the heartbreaking story of Emmanuel, a 14-year-old boy with autism who went missing in 2024. Emmanuel, who was non-verbal, tragically drowned in the Sosiani River after being lost for three days—an incident that shook the community and became a catalyst for increased autism advocacy in the region.
“If Emmanuel had been able to communicate his distress, someone might have helped,” Madegwa said. “His loss reminds us why training the public on non-verbal communication is not just important—it’s life-saving.”
Understanding Autism: Expert Voices
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, repetitive behavior, and communication. Autism typically appears in early childhood and persists throughout a person’s life, though its severity and impact vary widely.
Dr. Diana Ngeno, a practicing medical doctor, emphasized that autism is not an illness but a spectrum of neurological differences that require support—not stigma.
“Autism exists on a spectrum. With early intervention and the right support, children with autism can adapt, learn, and live fulfilling, independent lives,” said Dr. Ngeno. “Unfortunately, many schools in Kenya are not yet equipped to meet their needs.”
She also cited recent findings from Kenya’s Ministry of Health, which reported that less than 20% of schools have access to trained special needs educators or autism-friendly infrastructure.
Inclusion in Education: A Call to Action
Lilian Nyambura, a veteran educator in the special needs sector, urged the government to mainstream autism within national education policies and teacher training programs.
“Inclusive education must be more than a slogan. It should reflect in our classrooms, teaching methodologies, and learning materials. We need national investment in special needs education,” Nyambura asserted.
The Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) estimates that only 2,000 trained special needs teachers currently serve the entire country, highlighting a glaring shortage in a population of over 20 million school-age children.
Empowering Parents and Caregivers
Parent trainer Anita Jerop Ruto also addressed attendees, highlighting the vital role of caregivers and the need for accessible parent education programs.
“We equip parents with practical skills—from managing sensory sensitivity to creating home routines tailored for their children,” Ruto explained. “Many parents feel helpless. But with the right tools, they become the best advocates for their children.”
A Nationwide Challenge with Local Solutions
While the national government has rolled out policies such as the Education Assessment Resource Centres (EARCs) and is piloting autism screening tools in select counties, grassroots efforts like those in Uasin Gishu are filling critical gaps.
Dr. Anne Ngeno, from the School of Medicine, emphasized that autism awareness must go hand in hand with social acceptance.
“Autistic children are just like other children—they have potential, dreams, and talents. It is our duty to create a society that sees beyond the diagnosis,” she said.
The World Autism Day event in Uasin Gishu concluded with a pledge by local leaders and advocates to work toward better resource allocation, public education, and collaboration between health and education sectors.
As Kenya joins the global community in observing Autism Awareness Month, voices from Uasin Gishu remind the nation of one unshakable truth: every child matters, every voice counts.
“Autism is not a problem to fix, but a difference to understand,” Madegwa concluded.
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