Learning in special needs schools paralysed over lack of funds

A KCPE examination supervisor assists a special-needs pupil at Maralal Primary School in Maralal, Samburu County, on November 1, 2016. Special-needs schools are appealing to the government to release Sh670 million needed to run them. PHOTO | VICKY KETER | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Special needs schools have asked the government to release funds to enable them pay salaries for workers and buy food for children.

The schools are expecting Sh400 million for infrastructure development and Sh270 million for purchase of food and payment of salaries for support staff.

Special Schools Heads Association of Kenya (SSHAK) chairman Arthur Injenga said operations in 200 schools have been paralysed due to the delay.

“We are handling very delicate children that need proper care and that care can only come if those who handle them are paid on time,” said Mr Injenga.

However, Ministry of Education official Abdi Habat said the schools are likely to receive the funding in the course of the week.

“We prepared the schedule, signed it and handed it over to National Treasury two weeks ago and we have been assured that the money will be released,” said Mr Habat.

Last week, the government released Sh22.4 billion for free learning in primary and secondary schools.

Early this year, the Ministry of Education created a directorate to address leaners with special needs and promised to allocate more funds for the schools.

Statistics indicate that more than 100,000 children with disabilities are out of school nationwide.