CHAPTER 5: Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities in Kenya: Challenges and Prospects

The Kenyan educational system has been influenced by Britain, its former colonial ruler. Prior to colonization, traditional education, which stressed community productivity, prevailed. Individuals with mild disabilities were easily integrated into the community. The British wanted cheap labor and therefore provided basic education. Individuals with disabilities were kept in the periphery. Sadly, even after independence, Kenya continued to follow the British system of education. In the last four decades, Kenya has made concerted efforts to educate all children. This chapter focuses on the challenges to be overcome in order to enable special needs students to maximize their potential. These challenges include socio-cultural barriers, educating the public on issues pertaining to special education, funding for special education programs, and developing reliable and cultural sensitive measures.