Nairobi: Caregivers of children living with cerebral palsy in Elgeyo Marakwet have appealed to the County government to establish clinics in all health centres, complete with equipment and personnel for people living with the condition. Janet Kiprotich, a mother of a 13-year-old child with cerebral palsy, highlighted the challenges they face in accessing necessary services.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mrs. Kiprotich explained that many caregivers are forced to travel to the Iten County Referral Hospital for services. Speaking at Iten sportsground during Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day, she emphasized the high costs associated with transporting children for therapy sessions, which are essential once or twice a week.
Mrs. Kiprotich urged health authorities in the County to improve accessibility to health services in local health centres to alleviate transport challenges. She also noted that children with the condition often have low immunity, necessitating frequent medical attention.
While government and religious institutions have established special schools, Mrs. Kiprotich pointed out that children like hers, who cannot speak or walk, require home-based teaching of basic skills. Due to a lack of professionals for such children outside the education system, she has resorted to learning how to home-school her child through social media, a resource not available to everyone.
She highlighted the complexities of caring for these children, whether one is formally employed or working in the informal sector. Mrs. Kiprotich relies on house helps for her child's care while at work, but noted that those unable to afford such help face significant challenges in pursuing income-generating activities.
Mrs. Kiprotich called on the government to consider waiving taxes for working parents who also serve as caregivers for special needs children, similar to the provisions for workers with disabilities. She expressed gratitude to the National Council for People with Disability (NCPD) for providing wheelchairs, which aid in the children's mobility.
NCPD County Coordinator Lydia Matende affirmed that the organization will continue to provide assistive devices for people with disabilities and encouraged them to register for assistance.