ASTANA, Kazakhstan — First Lady Rachel Ruto has praised efforts by the Asyl Miras Center in Kazakhstan for advancing autism awareness, inclusion, and specialised support for children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Speaking during a visit to the centre in Astana, Rachel Ruto said Kenya could learn from the institution’s comprehensive approach to supporting children with autism and their families.
“The work being done here is inspiring. Kenya has a lot to learn from this model, particularly in ensuring that children living with autism and their families receive accessible, dignified, and professional support,” she said.
Focus on autism support
The First Lady toured the facility while accompanying President William Ruto on a State visit to Kazakhstan.
The Asyl Miras Center provides intervention services for children with autism regardless of their social or economic background.
Officials at the centre said more than 300 educators and specialists work with children and families through tailored rehabilitation and developmental programmes.
According to the institution, many children enrolled in the programmes have shown significant improvement in skills development and social interaction.
Holistic rehabilitation model
The centres operate as multifunctional support facilities where children and parents receive integrated care from trained professionals.
Each rehabilitation programme runs for about five and a half months, with every centre capable of supporting up to 180 children free of charge at any given time.
Asyl Miras Chief Executive Officer Ainur Karbozova said the institution’s goal is to help children with autism fully participate in society.
“We want to help children with autism spectrum disorders to socialise and live fully,” she said.
Foundation behind the programme
The centre was established in 2014 by Kazakh businessman and philanthropist Bulat Utemuratov through the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation.
The foundation has invested more than USD 240 million in charitable programmes focused on healthcare, education, culture, environmental protection, and social infrastructure.
Its autism initiative, known as “One World for All,” has expanded to 13 centres across 12 cities in Kazakhstan and has supported more than 17,000 children and families since launch.
Digital safety and AI concerns
Rachel Ruto also visited the Alem.AI Centre in Astana, where she explored programmes focused on artificial intelligence and digital safety for children.
The visit comes shortly after the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi, where African First Ladies called for stronger measures to protect children in increasingly digital and AI-driven environments.
“Digital safety for the African child must be prioritised,” Rachel Ruto said during the summit.
Growing autism awareness
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental condition associated with differences in communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and behavioural patterns.
Globally, governments and advocacy groups have increasingly focused on improving early diagnosis, inclusion, and specialised support services for children living with autism and their families.
