By Joshua Otieno | June 14, 2026
THIKA, KENYA — The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education and disability rights during celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Thika School for the Visually Impaired, the 20th anniversary of the Albinism Society of Kenya (ASK), and the 11th International Albinism Awareness Day held on June 13, 2026.
The celebrations, held at Thika School for the Visually Impaired, brought together government officials, disability rights advocates, learners, teachers and members of the albinism community in a major event focused on inclusion, equality and empowerment.
A key highlight of the event was President William Ruto’s declaration of Thika School for the Visually Impaired as a Centre of Excellence for Special Needs Education, recognizing the institution’s decades-long contribution to transforming the lives of learners with visual impairments.
In a speech delivered by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba on behalf of the President, Ruto praised the school for its 80 years of service, innovation and resilience in advancing inclusive education.
“The declaration recognizes the school’s rich history, outstanding achievements and enduring legacy in transforming the lives of learners with disabilities,” the President said.
He further noted that the institution has produced generations of learners who have gone on to make meaningful contributions across different sectors, proving that disability should never be viewed as inability.
President Ruto also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening special needs education through continued investment in infrastructure, assistive technologies and teacher training.
“The Government remains committed to ensuring no learner is left behind and that every child receives the support needed to achieve their full potential,” the statement read.
The event also coincided with the commemoration of the 11th International Albinism Awareness Day, celebrated this year under the theme “Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones.”
The President used the occasion to call on Kenyans to reject discrimination and embrace diversity, saying dignity and human worth should never be determined by appearance or disability.
“This theme reminds us to move beyond stereotypes and prejudice and instead celebrate the unique value of every individual,” President Ruto said through CS Ogamba.
At the same time, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba raised concern over increasing cases of violence and indiscipline in schools, warning that learning institutions must remain safe environments for education and character development.
“Violence, unrest and destruction have no place in schools established to nurture the nation’s future leaders,” Ogamba said.
He urged parents and guardians to take greater responsibility in shaping discipline among children, warning that unchecked behaviour during childhood often contributes to irresponsible conduct later in life.
Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura also paid tribute to the Thika School for the Visually Impaired, describing it as a beacon of hope that has transformed thousands of lives since its establishment in 1946.
“This institution was the first of its kind in East and Central Africa and has opened opportunities for learners with disabilities for generations,” Mwaura said.
He added that the school’s impact goes beyond academics by nurturing confidence, independence and leadership among learners living with disabilities.
The celebrations also marked 20 years of the Albinism Society of Kenya, with leaders reflecting on milestones achieved in advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with albinism.
Mwaura noted that the society, founded in 2006, has helped fight myths, discrimination and exclusion through public awareness campaigns and strategic advocacy.
“Through sustained advocacy, the organization has pushed for legal recognition, parliamentary representation, affordable sunscreen and greater awareness across the country,” he said.
Kenya’s albinism support programme was also hailed as a global success story, with Mwaura revealing that the National Albinism Sunscreen and Support Programme remains the first initiative of its kind in the world.
The programme, launched in 2013 under the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, has reportedly received approximately KSh100 million annually to support access to sunscreen, healthcare and protective services for persons with albinism.
Assistant Director in charge of the Albinism Programme at the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, Alex Munyere, applauded the Government for increasing support to persons with albinism.
He revealed that an additional KSh10 million was reinstated last year to strengthen interventions targeting the community.
Munyere also praised growing employment opportunities for persons with albinism and commended Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura for championing disability inclusion.
“His journey from nominated MP to Senator and now Government Spokesperson continues to inspire many young people living with disabilities,” Munyere said.
Meanwhile, the Albinism Society of Kenya called for greater efforts to promote inclusion, equal opportunities and respect for persons with albinism.
Programmes Officer Daniel Omeno urged institutions, employers, schools and communities to strengthen access to healthcare, education, employment and social protection for persons living with albinism.
“We must confront harmful stereotypes and replace them with understanding, acceptance and respect,” Omeno said.
As the celebrations came to a close, leaders emphasized that meaningful inclusion requires collective responsibility from government, communities, institutions and families to ensure persons with disabilities and albinism enjoy equal opportunities and dignity in society.
