“Deaf Learners Are Being Failed!” – NPA Demands Urgent Crackdown on Abuse in Boarding Schools and Children’s Homes
By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor
NPA Calls for Immediate Action to Protect Deaf Learners and Children with Disabilities from Abuse
The National Parents Association (NPA) has urgently appealed to the Government to strengthen inspection, monitoring and child protection systems in all public and private deaf boarding schools, children’s homes and other institutions that care for children with disabilities.
Speaking during the FEDWEN Conference in Nairobi, NPA National Chairman Mr. Silas David Obuhatsa expressed concern over reports that some learners with disabilities, particularly deaf children and those living with autism, continue to face violence, exploitation and sexual abuse while under institutional care.
According to NPA, many parents are suffering in silence because communication barriers and limited reporting mechanisms make it difficult for children to report abuse or seek help.
Mr. Obuhatsa urged the Ministry of Education, Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Ministry of Health, Ministry of Interior, Department of Children’s Services, county governments and all child protection agencies to work together to strengthen safeguarding measures in learning institutions.
The Association said the Government should immediately implement the following measures:
Increase regular and unannounced inspections in all deaf boarding schools, special schools and children’s homes.
Strengthen child protection policies and enforce zero tolerance for all forms of abuse.
Conduct mandatory background checks on all teaching and non-teaching staff working with children.
Install CCTV surveillance in appropriate public areas while safeguarding learners’ privacy.
Deploy trained counsellors, psychologists and sign language professionals to support learners.
Establish confidential and accessible reporting systems, including sign-language-friendly complaint channels.
Strengthen guidance and counselling programmes for learners with disabilities.
Train teachers, caregivers, security officers and support staff on child protection and disability safeguarding.
Increase parental awareness through regular sensitisation programmes jointly coordinated by the Ministry of Education and NPA.
Improve collaboration between schools, parents, police, children’s officers and health professionals to ensure rapid response to abuse cases.
Ensure all reported abuse cases are investigated independently and perpetrators prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Provide specialised support for Grade 10 learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), particularly those in special schools.
Mr. Obuhatsa said testimonies shared during the conference by representatives from FEDWEN, including Sheila, Rahab and Elizabeth, highlighted the urgent need for stakeholders to act decisively to protect vulnerable children.
“NPA remains committed to working with the Government, parents and all education stakeholders to ensure every child, regardless of disability, learns in a safe, secure and dignified environment. The safety and wellbeing of our children must remain a national priority,” he said.
