The Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) has intensified efforts to strengthen inclusive education by bringing together Regional and County Directors of Education for a two-day forum focused on improving access to assistive devices for learners with disabilities.

Speaking during the opening of the forum, KISE Director Dr. Norman Kiogora reaffirmed the Institute's commitment to ensuring that every learner with special needs receives the support required to achieve their full potential.

Dr. Kiogora urged education leaders to work closely with KISE in identifying learners with disabilities at an early stage, facilitating smooth transitions through the education system, and ensuring they receive appropriate assistive devices tailored to their individual learning needs.

Representing the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Mr. Nelson Sifuna, Head of the Directorate of Field Coordination and Co-curricular Activities, delivered the Principal Secretary's speech, emphasizing that inclusive education is more than a policy aspiration—it is achieved through practical access to learning opportunities.

He noted that assistive devices play a critical role in removing barriers to education by enabling learners with disabilities to participate fully in classroom activities, improve learning outcomes, and thrive alongside their peers.

The participants were also briefed on the upcoming commissioning of 10 Educational Assessment and Resource Centre (EARC) centres, a major milestone expected to strengthen assessment, identification, and support services for learners with disabilities across Kenya.

The new centres are expected to enhance early identification of special educational needs, improve the provision of specialized services, and increase access to quality education for children with disabilities in different regions of the country.

The forum highlighted the importance of collaboration between KISE, the Ministry of Education, and county and regional education officials in building an inclusive education system where every learner has an equal opportunity to succeed.

The meeting reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring that no learner is left behind through expanded access to assistive technology, strengthened assessment services, and coordinated support for children with disabilities across the country.