By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor
The Government, disability rights organizations, development partners, educators, learners, and advocates gathered at Thika School for the Visually Impaired to celebrate three landmark milestones that highlight Kenya’s progress in promoting inclusion, equality, and human dignity.
The celebrations marked the 80th Anniversary of Thika School for the Visually Impaired, the 20th Anniversary of the Albinism Society of Kenya (ASK), and the 11th International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD), commemorated under the theme, “Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones.”
Speaking during the event, Government Spokesperson Hon. Isaac Mwaura hailed Thika School for the Visually Impaired as a historic institution that has transformed lives across generations through quality education and empowerment.
“For eighty years, this institution has nurtured learners who have gone on to become teachers, professionals, leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, and productive citizens. Its legacy is not measured by its longevity alone but by the countless lives it has transformed,” said Mwaura.
He paid tribute to the teachers, administrators, parents, development partners, and learners whose dedication has made the institution a symbol of excellence and opportunity for persons with visual impairments throughout East and Central Africa.
The event also celebrated two decades of the Albinism Society of Kenya, an organization that has become one of Africa’s leading disability rights movements.
Mwaura noted that when ASK was established in 2006, persons with albinism faced widespread discrimination, stigma, and exclusion. Access to sunscreen, low-vision devices, healthcare services, and educational opportunities was severely limited, while myths and misconceptions about albinism remained prevalent in society.
“Twenty years ago, a small group of determined individuals came together with a simple but powerful vision—to ensure that persons with albinism would no longer live in the shadows of discrimination, exclusion, and misunderstanding. Today, ASK stands as one of the most successful disability rights organizations in Africa,” he said.
He highlighted ASK’s achievements, including the landmark 2009 petition to Parliament seeking representation of persons with albinism, affordable sunscreen, registration, and legal recognition of their rights. According to Mwaura, these objectives have since been realized through sustained advocacy and collaboration with government institutions.
The Government Spokesperson further commended ASK for helping elevate albinism into the national discourse and for playing a critical role in protecting the lives and rights of persons with albinism during periods when harmful myths and ritual attacks posed significant threats across the region.
Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Ogamba, Principal Secretaries, development partners, disability rights organizations, and education stakeholders present at the event reiterated their commitment to strengthening inclusive education and ensuring that no learner is left behind.
The celebrations coincided with the 11th International Albinism Awareness Day, which seeks to promote acceptance, combat stigma, and celebrate diversity. Participants called for continued public education, stronger protections against discrimination, and increased investment in services that support persons with disabilities.
As Kenya celebrates these milestones, leaders emphasized that while significant progress has been made, the journey toward full inclusion, equal opportunity, and respect for human dignity must continue.
