Hundreds of people turned up for a five kilometers charity walk to support pupils from Kabarnet school for deafblind who require special attention due to their nature of disabilities.
The walk which started off at Kasoiyo trading centre in Baringo Central up to the institution’s grounds was meant to raise finances for the school facing numerous challenges including inadequate food supply, shortage of water, lack of sanitation facilities and fees arrears for learners.
This prompted the Baringo county government to team up with well-wishers to organise the event themed, “Touch a deaf, blind child with love this Valentine”.
Governor Benjamin Cheboi who led the walk said the day symbolises love and compassion to the vulnerable members of the society.
He stated that the young children have potential and deserve the same opportunities like others to learn and thrive in their futures.
“It is our collective responsibility as both levels of governments, various institutions, partners and individuals to bridge this gap by supporting deafblind children to access quality education, which is their right,” he said.
The Baringo boss urged the Ministry of Education to increase capitation allocated to the institution to aid in effective running of programmes and address delayed salaries for staff and teachers who have sacrificed a lot to teach the children who are abled differently.
Area member of parliament (MP) Joshua Kandie said he will team up with other legislators from the county to deliver a school bus which will aid in mobility of learners.
Kandie, at the same time, urged parents not to fear enrolling deafblind children to the institution to be supported in undertaking their studies up to the highest level of their education.
The institution’s principal Salina Binot in her remarks thanked all those who made the day a success adding that the support will go a long way in getting the various basic needs for close to 100 pupils.
Madam Binot who requested for more of such noble initiatives noted that this year, the institution is planning to engage in extensive agriculture as a means of supporting them to generate income for self-sustainability.
By Benson Kelio
