Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura / HANDOUT

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has called for greater
inclusion, protection and empowerment of persons with albinism, as Kenya marked
three major milestones in education, disability rights advocacy and global
awareness.

Mwaura said the country was celebrating remarkable
milestones in the
national journey towards inclusion, equality and human dignity.

The event marked the 80th anniversary of Thika School for
the Visually Impaired, the 20th anniversary of ASK, and the 11th International
Albinism Awareness Day, observed under the theme “Proudly
in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones.”

Mwaura described Thika School for the Visually Impaired as a
historic institution that has shaped generations of learners since its
establishment in the 1940s, noting that it was the first of its kind in East
and Central Africa.

He praised ASK for transforming the national conversation on
albinism over the past two decades, noting that when the organisation was
founded in 2006, persons with albinism faced widespread discrimination,
exclusion and harmful myths.

“For 80
years, it has nurtured generations of learners who have gone on to become
teachers, professionals, leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and productive
citizens. Many families
lacked accurate information. Myths and misconceptions were widespread. Children
with albinism were bullied, excluded and denied opportunities,” he said.

Mwaura said ASK had played a critical role in advancing
advocacy, legal recognition and policy reforms, including a 2009 petition to
Parliament seeking representation, access to sunscreen and formal recognition
of persons with albinism.

He noted that Kenya has since made significant progress,
including the establishment of the National Albinism Sunscreen and Support
Programme under the National Council for Persons with Disabilities in 2013,
which he described as a global best-practice model.

“For 13
consecutive years, the government
of Kenya has invested approximately Sh100 million annually in this programme,
amounting to nearly Sh1.3 billion,” he said.

The spokesperson also highlighted ASK’s role in saving lives
during a period when persons with albinism faced ritual attacks driven by
dangerous myths and superstitions in parts of East Africa.

He cited advocacy efforts that led to international policy
frameworks, including the African Union Plan of Action on Albinism and the
establishment of the African Union Special Envoy on Albinism.

Mwaura, who was born with albinism, recounted rejection and stigma during childhood but noted that he overcame societal limitations to rise to national
leadership.

“I was born with albinism in a society that did not fully
understand what albinism was. Many people formed opinions about me before they
knew me,” he said.

He added that misconceptions even led to his early rejection
within his own family but said such experiences strengthened his resolve to
succeed.

Mwaura said that
inclusion is not charity but a development imperative, warning that exclusion
deprives the country of talent, productivity and innovation.

“When a child is denied education because of discrimination,
Kenya loses talent. When a qualified individual is denied employment because of
prejudice, Kenya loses productivity,” he said.

He called on parents, teachers, employers, religious leaders
and the media to play an active role in dismantling stigma and promoting
dignity for persons with albinism.

Mwaura also highlighted the life-saving importance of
sunscreen for persons with albinism, saying it should not be treated as a
luxury or cosmetic product but as essential medical support.

“Many families continue to struggle to access sunscreen, eye
care services and dermatological support. For a person with albinism, sunscreen
is the difference between good health and skin cancer,” he said.

He urged young persons with albinism to pursue education and
excellence without fear, saying Kenya must become a society where every citizen
can belong, participate and thrive.

As the country marked the three milestones, Mwaura
reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening legal protections and
advancing disability inclusion across all sectors.

He called for
a united national effort to build a Kenya where persons with albinism are safe,
respected and fully included in national life.

Mwaura
spoke during a commemoration
attended by cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries, development partners,
leaders of the Albinism Society of Kenya (ASK), organisations of persons with
disabilities, teachers and learners.

President
William Ruto officially declared the institution a Centre of Excellence for
Special Needs Education.

The
declaration was made through a speech delivered by Education Cabinet Secretary
Julius Ogamba during the International Albinism Awareness Day celebrations and
the school’s 80th anniversary.

In
the address, Ruto praised the institution for its eight decades of
service in transforming the lives of learners with visual impairments and
advancing inclusive education in Kenya.

He
said the designation recognises the school’s rich history, outstanding
achievements and enduring legacy in special needs education, noting that it has
consistently demonstrated resilience and innovation in delivering quality
learning to learners with disabilities.