Over 2,000 learners from Baringo, Wajir, and Garissa counties are set to benefit from an inclusive education programme between Airtel Money Kenya and ChildFund.
The initiative will focus on improving access to quality education for the children with visual problems and hearing impairment by creating more inclusive and supportive school environments.
The investment will be directed towards addressing critical gaps in learning infrastructure, water and sanitation services, and access to digital learning resources that continue to affect educational outcomes in these underserved communities.
The beneficiary schools include Marigat Integrated Day and Boarding Primary School, Marigat Special School for the Visually Impaired in Baringo County while in Garissa county, Garissa School for the Deaf and Catholic Integrated Primary and Junior School in Wajir County.
Together, the four institutions serve more than 2,000 learners, including children with visual and hearing impairments who often face additional barriers to accessing quality education.
By creating safer, healthier, and more inclusive learning spaces, the project aims to boost student wellbeing, increase school attendance, and widen access to quality education for children in some of Kenya’s most marginalised communities.
Speaking during the partnership signing, Airtel Money Kenya Managing Director Anne Kinuthia-Otieno underscored the importance of removing barriers to quality education.
“Education is a powerful force for transforming lives, yet many children still face obstacles such as inadequate facilities, poor sanitation, and limited digital access” she said.
“Through our partnership with ChildFund Kenya, we are investing in practical and sustainable solutions to create more inclusive learning environments, especially for children with disabilities. Our mission is to ensure every child can access quality education and reach their full potential,” Kinuthia-Otieno said.
Through this partnership, new classrooms will be constructed, sanitation facilities will be improved, handwashing stations will be built as well as establishing well equipped ICT center with digital learning devices.
The Airtel Money Kenya Managing Director said special interventions for learners with disabilities will include enhanced dormitories, accessible sanitation, and expanded water access to foster dignified and supportive learning conditions.
ChildFund Kenya Country Director Sankara said children living with disabilities frequently face additional barriers to accessing quality education and miss on opportunities to reach their full potential.
For the learners who will benefit from this initiative, these improvements will help create safer, healthier, and more inclusive schools where every child with disabilities will learn, participate and succeed, Sankara said.
Together, we are choosing to see those who have too often remained unseen and to invest where the need is greatest, Sankara added.
“We believe that no child’s future should be limited by where they live, the circumstances they are born into, or the challenges they face. We are grateful for this shared commitment to ensuring that all children are seen” he said adding that, “This partnership is bigger than infrastructure. It’s an intentional investment in the dignity and future of children with disabilities” Sankara added.
The project will also improve access to clean water by installing pipeline extensions, solar-powered pumps, water storage facilities, and school hygiene infrastructure, creating healthier learning environments for learners and teachers alike, Sakara said.
