Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has officially launched the Inuka Scholarship Programme, urging both public and private stakeholders to support inclusive education for children with disabilities. The event, held on April 7, 2025, at the Kenya Institute of Special Education in Nairobi, showcased the government’s continued commitment to ensuring no child is left behind in accessing quality education.
The Inuka initiative, now in its eighth year, is spearheaded by the Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC) Foundation and has so far supported 745 learners across all 47 counties. The scholarship covers tuition, uniforms, and essential assistive devices for students with disabilities. The recent expansion to include tertiary education is expected to significantly increase the number of beneficiaries.
CS Ogamba lauded KPC for its dedication to empowering marginalised learners, emphasizing that inclusive education is not merely a policy but a national necessity.
“I commend the KPC Foundation for its dedication to supporting students with disabilities. The Inuka scholarship programme proves that investing in these learners equips them for meaningful and dignified lives,” said Ogamba.
He highlighted that the initiative aligns well with the Ministry of Education’s “Leave No One Behind” commitment, as well as with other programmes like the Elimu Scholarship, which has benefited over 52,000 vulnerable students.
Ogamba referenced a 2018 national survey that found 11.4% of Kenyan children aged three to 21 live with disabilities, translating to nearly 2.5 million children. He noted that these children often face significant barriers, including inaccessible infrastructure, limited teacher training, and societal stigma, which contribute to low enrollment and high dropout rates.
Despite these challenges, Ogamba noted the government’s progress under President William Ruto’s leadership, citing key education policies and international commitments such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and SDG 4.
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, who also attended the launch, praised KPC for going beyond its petroleum mandate to make a positive social impact. “When state agencies are well governed, they can transform lives,” Wandayi remarked.
The launch marked a strong call for multi-sector collaboration to ensure every Kenyan child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to succeed.
