Kirinyaga: Parents of children with cerebral palsy call for special schools, medication

The parents say they are currently forced to take their children to schools in Nyeri, Nairobi and Embu, a situation they say is costly and inconvenient.

Speaking in Kutus on Tuesday, the parents, led by Margaret Wanjiru, said they face numerous challenges, including difficulties in buying wheelchairs and accessing therapy and medication.

“Sometimes we don't even have money to buy wheelchairs, so we are forced to carry our children on our backs,” Wanjiru said.

The parents also raised concerns over the lack of essential medication at public hospitals, saying they are often asked to buy the drugs themselves.

“When we go to hospitals, we are told to buy the drugs. Drugs for children with this condition are very expensive. We live by the mercy of God,” Wanjiru said.

They said caring for children with cerebral palsy is challenging, particularly because some children are unable to communicate verbally, making it difficult for parents to know when they are unwell.

Hellen Njeri, the mother of a 10-year-old girl living with cerebral palsy, said the children require special diets and round-the-clock care.

“You cannot leave this child with just anyone. We need the government to stock drugs in our hospitals and make therapy cheap or free,” she said.

Priscilla Nyaguthii, whose 13-year-old daughter also lives with cerebral palsy, urged the government to include children with the condition in the cash transfer programme for persons with disabilities.

Joseph Mugo, a therapist, said children living with cerebral palsy require therapy at least three times a week.

Mugo called on the government to employ more therapists in the county to reduce the distance parents have to travel to access the services.

Zepporah Miring’u of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities said the council registers persons with disabilities and facilitates their assessment.

“In Kirinyaga, we have four hospitals that assess persons with disabilities, and after assessment, we issue them certificates,” she said.