Guardians of children with cerebral palsy have been advised to disclose their conditions to medical institutions so that such children can be supported by authorities and well-wishers.
Trans Nzoia County Director of Gender and Social Services, Robert Kibii noted that there was a tendency by a section of the community members to hide their disabled kin for fear of perceived shame.
Kibii noted that a section of the community misconstrues some forms of disability associating them with witchcraft and that the myth had occasioned them to hide their disabled kin from the public eye.
However, the Director cautioned against hiding such children pointing out that the department is privy to the situation and will enhance its social protection.
Kibii was speaking at the Cherangani Nursing Home in Kitale, during the International Cerebral Palsy celebrations.
He dissuaded guardians of physically or mentally challenged children from hiding them from the society, instead challenging them to support their well-being.
From statistics, at least three in every 100 children born in Kenya suffer from Cerebral Palsy.
Benard Musioge the chairperson of Trans Nzoia parents of cerebral palsy CBO appealed for inclusion of children with cerebral palsy into the government cash transfer program, noting that it was seven years since enrolment into the program was carried out.
Approximately 300 children live with the condition in Trans Nzoia, a high rate that has seen the county government engage with partners in preventive as well as mitigation measures.
By Kosuri Valarie
