By Wasike Elvis
As the globe observed World Press Freedom Day under the theme of media freedom as the cornerstone of human rights and democracy, in Eldoret, the day took on an even deeper significance. The Uasin Gishu Journalists Association (UGJA), in partnership with media students, local business leaders, and caregivers, chose to step outside the newsroom and into the heart of the Langas community — to a place where stories are rarely told, and voices are too often unheard.
At Sparkling Haven Foundation, a small but vibrant sanctuary for children with cerebral palsy, autism, and other underdevelopment challenges, World Press Freedom Day was commemorated not through speeches in conference halls, but through action, empathy, and solidarity.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Speaking at the event, UGJA Chairman James Gitaka emphasized the crucial role of the media in creating an inclusive society. “Today is not just about celebrating journalists — it’s about using our platform to highlight the lives and struggles of those often left out of the headlines,” Gitaka said. “These children have for too long remained invisible. We are here to assure them and their caregivers that we see them, we hear them, and we stand with them.”
Gitaka noted the presence of students and tutors from Eldoret National Polytechnic and other institutions, underscoring the importance of mentoring future journalists in socially conscious reporting. “It’s important that upcoming media professionals understand that journalism is about much more than politics and crime — it is about being a voice to the voiceless,” he added.
Born from Love and Necessity
The event spotlighted the Sparkling Haven Foundation, which was started in 2023 by Rose Kavuli, a mother whose personal journey raising a child with special needs inspired her to act. “I have a child with special needs, and I realized I wasn’t alone,” she said. “We formed this foundation together with friends, mothers, and caregivers in Langas. Our first priority was to support each other emotionally and to provide essentials — like diapers, which are a daily necessity for our children.”
Kavuli explained how many families were struggling to access therapy services due to high costs and long distances. “Through community outreach, we were blessed to find a volunteer occupational therapist, and since then, we’ve seen real improvement in our children. One child who couldn’t stretch his hand is now able to reach out — another has started smiling. For us, these are big milestones.”
She added that while the foundation runs on community goodwill and minimal resources, their vision is ambitious. “We hope to start a daycare center soon. But we cannot do it alone. We’re calling on the government, organizations, and well-wishers to join hands with us.”
Overwhelmed but Committed
Gerald Kipchirchir, the foundation’s lone occupational therapist, shared the uphill battle of managing over 20 children with varying conditions — including autism, cerebral palsy, and developmental delays — singlehandedly. “Ideally, these children should get therapy three times a week, but we can only offer once a week due to time and space constraints,” he said. “We are in desperate need of more therapists, splinting materials, and mobility aids. The room we’re using is also too small, making therapy sessions difficult.”
Caregivers Speak Out
Several parents bravely shared their personal journeys, detailing the emotional and financial strain of caring for children with special needs.
Alicia Jeptoo, affectionately known as Mama Kambua, said she has had to put her career on hold to care for her child with cerebral palsy. “I cannot leave my child at home to go to work. Diapers are costly, therapy is not affordable, and yet our children depend on it. We need empowerment as parents and caregivers. If we can be supported, we can work while taking care of our children.”
Irine Akinyi, a mother of four, recalled discovering her son’s condition when he was six months old. “His neck wasn’t firm, and later we learned he had cerebral palsy. Accepting the reality was very difficult. But when we found Sparkling Haven, things changed. My son James is now 13. He cannot walk or move, but here we receive free therapy, and that’s a lifeline.”
Community Backing and Call to Action
Local businessman Zulfikar Bhachu, who attended the event with representatives from Yako Supermarket and Jora Supermarket, applauded the efforts of journalists and caregivers. “What the journalists have done today is powerful — highlighting these children’s lives gives them dignity,” he said. “My appeal is to the Ministry of Health: these children need you. Please support this cause.”
The event also received backing from the Kenya Correspondents Association and UNESCO, both of whom have supported the UGJA in their advocacy work. Joy Anne Mulinya, representing Dr. Charles Koech, the Principal of Eldoret National Polytechnic, noted the importance of training future journalists to engage meaningfully with community stories. “This is journalism with heart. We’re proud to stand in solidarity with these children and their families,” she said.
Press Freedom and Responsibility
While celebrating the gains made in press freedom, Gitaka acknowledged the ongoing challenges journalists face in Kenya and around the world. “Some of our colleagues have been arrested arbitrarily while doing their work. Freedom of the press must be protected — because when the press is silenced, so are the voices of vulnerable communities like the one we visited today.”
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