
By Denis Muritu
The Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) has successfully hosted a three-day National Delegates Conference for the Special Schools Headteachers Association of Kenya (SSHAK), reaffirming its role as a national leader in the advancement of special needs education.
The event brought together hundreds of headteachers and education stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing the delivery of special needs education across the country.
Speaking at the official opening of the conference, Ms. Kristine Pratt, Chairperson of the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK), who represented Principal Secretary for Education Dr. Julius Bitok, lauded KISE’s growing mandate. She announced the institute’s expanded national role in overseeing the operations of regional Educational Assessment and Resource Centers (EARCs) and coordinating the distribution of assistive devices and learning materials for learners with disabilities.
Highlighting a key initiative, Ms. Pratt shared updates on the ongoing construction of a Parental Empowerment Center—a pioneering project aimed at equipping parents of children with disabilities with the tools and knowledge needed to support their children’s educational journeys effectively.
“The strength of our partnerships with school leaders determines how effectively we can transform the lives of learners with special needs,” Ms. Pratt emphasized. “Collaboration is key to achieving inclusive education.”
The conference also served as a platform to celebrate KISE’s growing influence as a hub for innovation, advocacy, and support in the field of special needs education. With a renewed focus on parental engagement, teacher empowerment, and regional coordination, KISE reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every learner—regardless of ability—has access to quality education.