THIKA, Kenya — Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has called for an end to discrimination against persons with albinism, urging Kenyans to embrace inclusion, dignity and equal opportunity as the country marked major milestones in disability rights advocacy and special needs education.
Speaking during celebrations marking 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, Mwaura said Kenya had made significant progress but still faced challenges in combating stigma and exclusion.
The event was held under the global theme, “Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones.”
Mwaura described Thika School for the Visually Impaired as a pioneering institution that has transformed the lives of thousands of learners since its establishment in the 1940s. He noted that the school was the first institution of its kind in East and Central Africa and had produced teachers, professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders despite historical barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
“For 80 years, it has nurtured generations of learners who have gone on to become teachers, professionals, leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and productive citizens,” he said.
The spokesperson also paid tribute to ASK for its role in changing public attitudes towards albinism over the past two decades. He recalled that when the organisation was established in 2006, persons with albinism faced widespread discrimination, harmful myths and limited access to essential services.
According to Mwaura, sustained advocacy has helped secure important policy gains, including the establishment of the National Albinism Sunscreen and Support Programme under the National Council for Persons with Disabilities in 2013.
“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.
Mwaura, who was born with albinism, shared his personal experience of growing up in a society that often misunderstood the condition. He said prejudice and rejection, including within his own family, shaped his determination to challenge stereotypes and pursue 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 stressed that inclusion should not be viewed as charity but as a national development priority.
“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.
The spokesperson further highlighted ongoing challenges, particularly access to healthcare and protective products. He noted that sunscreen remains a critical medical necessity for persons with albinism due to their heightened vulnerability to skin cancer.
“For a person with albinism, sunscreen is the difference between good health and skin cancer,” he said, calling for expanded access to eye care, dermatological services and social protection programmes.
President William Ruto, through a speech delivered by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, used the occasion to officially declare Thika School for the Visually Impaired a Centre of Excellence for Special Needs Education.
The President said the designation recognises the institution’s outstanding contribution to inclusive learning and its role in advancing opportunities for learners with disabilities.
As Kenya marked the three milestones, leaders renewed calls for stronger legal protections, public awareness campaigns and inclusive policies aimed at ensuring persons with albinism can live free from discrimination, violence and exclusion.
Mwaura urged parents, educators, employers, religious leaders and the media to play an active role in dismantling harmful stereotypes and building a society where every Kenyan can participate fully regardless of disability or skin condition.
“Kenya must become a country where every citizen can belong, participate and thrive,” he said.
