Kenya commemorates International Day of Play

By Mercy Kachenge

Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya joined the global commemoration of the International Day of Play for the second time. Dagoretti Special School observed the event with child-led activities, including inclusive games and art. These activities aimed to promote inclusive education and comprehensive child development by leveraging the transformative power of play as a means for inclusion, learning, expression, and healing.

Statistics show 1 in 10 children and young youth in Kenya have a form of disability and they experience severe marginalization, poverty, violence, social exclusion and unequal access to opportunities including access to education. Also  households with children with disabilities account for 35% experiencing extreme poverty due to increased medical ,therapy and caregiving costs.

While 11.4% of Kenyan children aged 3 -21 have disabilities, only about 6% are enrolled in schools, underscoring the need for significant educational access gaps in educational facilities.

Executive Director and Founder of the Action Foundation, Maria  Omare underscored the need urging parents with children having disabilities to take part in the play activities since play is a powerful tool to support the development of children especially those with disability.

Speaking at the event, she emphasized that play is not just a form of recreation but a powerful tool that supports the development of children, particularly those living with disabilities.

“The International Day of Play is globally recognized by the United Nations,” she stated, highlighting the significance of the occasion. “We are glad to be part of the global celebrations, an opportunity to encourage both children with disabilities and their parents to actively engage in play activities,’’ she said.

“We envision a future where 3.4 million Child and Young Adults with Disabilities in Kenya will have equitable access to quality healthcare  and education within a five mile radius of their homes, empowering them to reach their maximum potential,” she stated.

She explained that one of the key goals of the event is to help parents see that their children can play just like any other child. “This is something that should not be limited to today’s event but something that can be integrated into their everyday lives at home.’’

Omare underscored the importance of the event to raise awareness about the abilities of children with disabilities. She emphasized that such children are capable of participating in play and other activities, just like their peers.

Omare further explained that the foundation currently works with more than 66 schools across various counties, particularly in Nairobi and Kajiado. She pointed out that their programs are expanding to other parts of Kenya as well. The organization focuses heavily on inclusive education, teacher training, health outcomes and professional development.

Omare urged the government through the Ministry of Educational to collaborate with county governments in terms of investing in disability-inclusive initiatives, assistive technology and other areas that enable learners with disability to thrive.

She highlighted the need for increased support in areas such as education and economic empowerment for parents of children with disabilities. “We believe that when parents are economically empowered, they are better able to support their children’s learning journeys,” she highlighted.

She noted that at least 10 percent of the population lives with a disability, a statistic that underscores the urgency of inclusive development strategies in ensuring access to quality education for the children with disability.

Eric Kimoi, Rehabilitation Focal Person, Dagoretti Sub County, stated the event aims to enhance the children’s everyday life skills which is often referred to in rehabilitation as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

“We are here to play with them, interact and have fun, an engagement which is therapeutic,’’ he stated. 

Kimoi urged the government to support the Action Foundation in terms of staffing, equipment and infrastructure for children to have the standards that they require.

Emmah Mutuku a Caregiver highlighted the transformative impact of the Action Foundation through the play which has impacted her terms of mentally and physical, hence strengthening the bond between her and the children.

Mutuku highlighted the challenges in terms of accessing education and care givers services especially transportation cost which is very high since most schools are located far from their homes.

She noted that most disabilities schools lack enough caregivers making children with disabilities to be grouped together without proper individual support. She also pointed out the difficulties faced by parents in seeking employment which is being attributed to the lack of inclusive daycares.

The Caregiver urged the government to open more accessible, specialized schools and increase the number of caregivers.

Jane Wambui, a teacher in charge of Children with disability at Dagoretti Special School stated the ratio of teacher to child is one ratio ten which helps in ensuring they monitor the learners in class. This is through taking videos which motivates them to obtain language and interact with others.

Francis Manyala,Principal for Dagoretti Special School, pointed out that they have reached many schools through the Action Foundation Program through sporting programs that aim to create awareness among parents living with children with disabilities although funding remains their biggest challenge.