NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 9 – Healthcare professionals are calling for greater intervention from communities, the public sector, and corporates to bridge a widening support gap for children with disabilities, even as disability diagnoses increase nationwide and current resources fall short of rising demand.
The appeal followed a workshop conducted by Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital in partnership with Sanlam Allianz Holdings (Kenya) PLC, where healthcare professionals trained parents and caregivers on essential skills to support independence and socialisation among children with special needs. The workshop also underscored the role of inclusive community support in strengthening developmental outcomes for children with disabilities.
The session is part of ongoing initiatives run through the Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation, Sanlam Allianz Holdings (Kenya) PLC, and the Sanlam Foundation, supported by the Allianz Group Social Impact Fund. It falls under a three-year empowerment programme launched in September 2024 aimed at improving employability, social inclusion, and functional abilities for children living with disabilities. In February 2025, 113 children benefited from a sports and arts day themed “Celebrating Abilities, Together We Shine,” which included occupational therapy to enhance social and cognitive skills.
Speaking during the workshop, Dr Robert Nyarango, Chief Executive Officer at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, highlighted the importance of strengthening the capacity of parents and caregivers to create environments in which children with disabilities can thrive.
“Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in the social development of children. In addition to the challenges children with disabilities face, they also need to have the skills to interact and integrate into their communities. As part of a larger program, the training will help improve the children’s communication skills, enhance their functional abilities, and increase their social inclusion,” said Dr Nyarango.
The workshop covered evidence-based approaches to supporting children’s development, including communication techniques, behavioural management strategies, and advocacy skills to help families navigate education and healthcare systems.
Sanlam Allianz Holdings (Kenya) PLC Group CEO, Dr Nyamemba Patrick Tumbo, underscored the value of the collaboration in preparing families and communities to provide better support.
“Through this initiative, we not only prepare the children to fit better into society but also help their communities understand their challenges and support their integration. Upskilling the parents and caregivers gives us a chance to deepen the impact by creating more knowledgeable advocates for children with disabilities. They are then more likely to create spaces for the children to thrive and build their communities,” said Jacqueline Karasha, the CEO of Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance (Kenya) Limited.
In Kenya, persons with disabilities (PWDs) face significant barriers to education, social inclusion, and formal employment. While the Government of Kenya committed in 2018 to reducing stigma, improving inclusion and education, and expanding pathways to economic empowerment, many challenges persist. Data on child disability remains limited, but the 2019 Census shows that 2.2 percent of Kenyans live with a disability, with mobility impairments the most common, followed by seeing, cognition, hearing, and self-care challenges. Vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, also face higher poverty rates, compounded by limited access to social protection.
The collaborative initiative between Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation and Sanlam Allianz Holdings (Kenya) PLC targets social skills training for at least 100 children, sports and arts activities for at least 300 children, and occupational therapy for at least 50 children.
