{
  "id": 5535848,
  "title": "Mama Rachel calls for greater investment in children with special needs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/mama-rachel-calls-for-greater-investment-in-children-with-special",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-04T10:24:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "KBC",
    "slug": "kbc",
    "url": "https://www.kbc.co.ke/mama-rachel-calls-for-greater-investment-in-children-with-special-needs/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto has urged greater investment in the education and wellbeing of children with special needs. Speaking at St Luke’s School for the Deaf in Mbeere South, Embu County, she highlighted the importance of ensuring every child has a fair opportunity to learn, grow and succeed. Mama Rachel praised the school for its work in providing education to children with hearing disabilities since its establishment in 1988. The school, which serves learners in Mbeere South, aims to create a supportive environment where these children can learn, discover their talents, and prepare for a self-reliant future.\n\nThe First Lady commended St Luke’s for its contributions and announced plans for a modern computer laboratory, equipped with computers and an interactive learning screen, supported by the Chandaria Foundation. This initiative is part of a broader strategy known as the *Voice of Children Initiative*, which focuses on Provision, Protection, and Participation to ensure children have the resources they need, grow up in safe environments, and have opportunities to express themselves and participate in matters that affect their lives.\n\nDuring her visit, First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto also commissioned a school laboratory, donated shoes and sanitary towels to the learners, and announced the launch of a modern computer laboratory. She emphasized the need to equip schools serving children with special needs and pledged support through the Chandaria Foundation. Additionally, she praised the school's kitchen garden and tree nursery, describing them as models of sustainable farming and environmental conservation. To support the school feeding programme, she donated 100 bags of rice and 70 bags of beans.\n\nEmbu Deputy Governor Justus Mugo noted the visit's positive impact on the school and community, highlighting the significance of the newly commissioned laboratory and fruit tree nursery. Principal Secretary Dr Esther Muoria announced the government's intention to develop a framework and partnerships to support the equipping of schools for learners with special needs. Ann Wang’ombe, Principal Secretary for Gender Affairs and Affirmative Action, thanked the First Lady for her efforts in uplifting vulnerable members of society. Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi commended the government's recent recruitment of over 100,000 teachers, describing it as the largest teacher drive in the country’s history. He also urged residents to embrace tree planting to combat climate change.",
  "summary": "First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto has called for increased investment in the wellbeing and education of children with special needs, saying every child deserves a fair opportunity to learn, grow and succeed. Speaking during a visit to St Luke’s School for the Deaf in Mbeere South, Embu County, First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto acknowledged the […] The post Mama Rachel calls for greater investment in children…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}