It was a reprieve for learners living with hearing disability following the completion of a Sh3.6 million dormitory project at Olwa-Neema School for the Hearing Impaired in Nyakach, Kisumu County.
The project which was handed over to the school last week was supported by the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) and the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK).
NFDK funded the construction of the dormitory at a cost of Sh2.6 million, with KenGen equipping the facility with beds and beddings worth Sh1 million.
The dormitory has a total bed capacity of 80, with 40 beds allocated for girls and 40 for boys. Its construction was completed July while the furnishings were finalized in August and part of September.
KenGen board member William Rahedi said the partnership was initiated through an invitation from NFDK, which identified the project as urgently in need of support.
“As KenGen, we committed Sh1 million towards furnishing the dormitory. We have provided beds, beddings, wardrobes, and other essentials to make it functional. The need was brought to our attention by the National Fund for the Disabled,” Rahedi said.
He added that the company has supported other institutions across the country as part of its community development agenda.
“As an organization, we are committed to community development because it’s not right to have the capacity to assist while the communities around us are left behind. Our mandate is nationwide, and we have done similar work at Kibos School for the Blind,” he noted.
Prof Juliana Ojiambo, a trustee of the NFDK said the Fund has completed more than 320 projects countrywide to promote inclusive education.
She noted that NFDK Has been working hand in hand with KenGen as long-term partners, particularly in areas where KenGen operates. This collaboration spans from the time of construction signing and site visits, all the way through to project completion, ensuring proper planning and smooth implementation.
“At Olwa-Neema, we funded the construction of the dormitory, and our partner KenGen furnished it. They have also supported four of our other projects across the country,” she said.
She reiterated that the Fund prioritizes inclusivity to ensure learners with different disabilities receive the support they need.
“Our aim is to ensure that children with disabilities access facilities where they feel protected, secure, and able to learn comfortably like other children,” she explained.
Prof Ojiambo further outlined the Fund’s three key programs: flagship infrastructure projects such as classrooms, laboratories and dormitories; small annual grants of up to Sh300,000 to institutions caring for learners with disabilities; and individual support through assistive devices and work tools for both children and adults.
She added that the Fund is also working closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure learners with disabilities are fully catered for.
