KISE Director Calls for End to Disability Stigma

Director General of the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), Dr Norman Kiogora, has called for an end to stigma against persons with disabilities, saying inclusion must be backed by action at the community level.

Dr Kiogora was speaking in Uasin Gishu County during a KISE outreach programme aimed at strengthening awareness on special needs education and improving access to assessment, intervention and support services.

He said stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to early identification and effective support for children and adults living with disabilities, urging parents, educators and community leaders to embrace inclusive attitudes.

The outreach programme brought together education stakeholders, parents and local administrators, with KISE officers offering guidance on assessment procedures, assistive technologies and referral pathways.

Dr Kiogora reaffirmed KISE’s commitment to decentralising services and working with counties to ensure learners with special needs are identified early and supported to reach their full potential.